California Is Not a Bellwether on Affirmative Action
The November 3 results for Proposition 16 underscore the need for a clear message, adequate time and resources, and voter persuasion.
State and Local Policy
The Center for American Progress constantly strives to find meaningful solutions and pathways to promote progressive policy advancement at the state and local level. Our work focuses on locally driven solutions as well as the vast policy and communications expertise in the organization. We hope this research and data can help facilitate thoughtful debate among state and local leaders so that we can bring about progressive change in an ever-changing political landscape.
Progressive Criminal Justice Ballot Initiatives Won Big in the 2020 Election
Progressive criminal justice policies fared well at the ballot box, with voters across the country approving critical reforms.
Violent Crime Rates Declined in 10 Jurisdictions Following Comprehensive Police Reform
Policymakers may have concerns that comprehensive police reform would increase violent crime, but evidence from 10 jurisdictions runs counter to such a relationship.
With Decreased Enrollment and Higher Operating Costs, Child Care Is Hit Hard Amid COVID-19
A statewide survey of Colorado child care providers shows unsustainable business conditions and bolsters the need for federal child care relief.
State Climate Leadership Is Coming to the Nation’s Capital in 2021
Candidates from states with existing climate commitments won in the 2020 election and will bring lessons from this state-level climate action to Washington.
The Pandemic and Economic Crisis Are Wake-Up Call for State Medicaid Expansion
Low-income residents in nonexpansion states face limited options for health coverage.
The Facts on State and Local Elections
State and local elected officials are the key to ensuring that significant reforms are made to the criminal justice system.
6 State Strategies To Improve Child Care Policies During the Pandemic and Beyond
As the child care market struggles to survive the impact of the pandemic, states can implement strategies to improve child care so that it better meets the needs of working families, children, educators, and employers.
A Call to Action on Combating Nonpoint Source and Stormwater Pollution
The United States will never achieve its goal of restoring and maintaining the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of its waters without implementing a comprehensive, aggressive program to reduce nonpoint source water pollution and polluted urban runoff.
5 Interesting Ways Governors Are Spending CARES Act GEER Funds on Higher Education
Several states stand out for their plans to spend COVID-19 emergency relief aid on supporting vulnerable students and institutions.
Why Voting Matters for the Disability Community
A lot is at stake in the 2020 elections—and voter turnout among Americans with disabilities must be supported before and after the polls close.
District Boundaries Affect Racial Representation at Michigan Community Colleges
A new approach to studying racial representation at community colleges uncovers inequities for Black students.
5 Ways State and Local Governments Can Make Climate Jobs Good Jobs
Pro-worker advocates must advance strategies and policies that will ensure that all climate jobs are high-quality union jobs that make the economy more equitable.
Fact Sheet: How State and Local Governments Can Make Climate Jobs Good Jobs
Tackling climate change will require state and local action alongside federal policy change. State and local policymakers can ensure that good jobs are created in the new clean economy by focusing on five proven job-quality strategies.
STATEMENT: CAP’s John Podesta Praises California Gov. Newsom’s Vision for Conserving 30 Percent of State’s Lands and Ocean by 2030
Washington, D.C. — Center for American Progress Founder John Podesta today issued the following statement praising California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s (D) executive order on biodiversity, which establishes a goal of conserving at least 30 percent of the state’s lands and ocean by 2030: This is environmental leadership at its best. Gov. Newsom has laid out...