Policies for the People

Policies for the People features policies to support Black climate justice leadership. The policies below have been selected to provide holistic support to those resisting extractivism and creating regenerative and democratic systems in their communities.

This is an ongoing project and these policies are just a small sample of what we plan to include. New policies will be added regularly. Please share your feedback with the team by using this form.

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40 Acres Conservation League

Jurisdiction: Local — California

While this is a state policy, this policy profile will analyze how it was used at the local level, just outside of Sacramento. In 2020, Governor Gavin Newsom issued Executive Order N-82-20, which committed to conserving 30% of California’s lands…

AVL Food Policy Action Plan

Jurisdiction: Local — Asheville, NC

Asheville, North Carolina’s Food Policy Action Plan, established by Resolution 17-257, aims to create a sustainable, equitable, and healthy local food system benefiting all residents. The plan focuses on increasing access to nutritious, affordable food, particularly for low-income and underserved…

Baltimore’s Water Accountability and Equity Act

Jurisdiction: Local — Baltimore, MD

The Water Accountability and Equity Act (18-0307) ensures the cost of water is affordable for all Baltimore City residents by creating an income-based water billing system.

Boston Resilience and Racial Equity Strategy

Jurisdiction: Local — Boston, MA

This Executive Order strengthens the City of Boston’s commitment to enhancing the city’s collective resilience by advancing racial equity, prioritizing social justice and strengthening social cohesion across all city agencies.

California Cooperative Housing Bill

Jurisdiction: State — California

A bill to facilitate the development of cooperative housing in California.

California Justice 40

Jurisdiction: State — California

This summary is from the Gender Equity Policy Institute (GEPI) published in August 2022. The federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Act, passed in 2021, represents a significant investment in U.S. infrastructure aimed at addressing a range of needs from roads and bridges…

California Neighborhood Food Act

Jurisdiction: State — California

AB 2561 guarantees tenants’ and members of homeowner’s associations’ rights to grow food for personal consumption by voiding contrary language in lease agreements or homeowner’s association agreements.

California Public Bank Charter

Jurisdiction: State — California

AB 857, creating a state-level public bank charter for which local jurisdictions (e.g. cities, counties) in California may apply. A public bank is a bank that is owned, operated, and governed by a city or county in a given place. 

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