Policies for the People

Welcome to a preview of 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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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 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. 

California Seed Exchange Democracy Act

Jurisdiction: State — California

The bill supports the rights of farmers and gardeners by differentiating noncommercial seed sharing activities from commercial seed companies and exempts community members from legal requirements commercial seed companies must follow.

California Worker Cooperative Act

Jurisdiction: State — California

The California Worker Cooperative Policy Coalition introduced Assembly Bill 816 in 2015 to amend the Consumer Cooperative Corporation Law governing consumer cooperative corporations in California.

California’s Just Transition Roadmap

Jurisdiction: State — California

The roadmap will continue to outline how California’s climate change goals provide an opportunity to improve the environment while boosting the economy and employing historically marginalized people to secure jobs.

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