Think Global, Act Local

Last week, I wrote about the strategy of tuning out the D.C. chaos and tuning in to local government. This week, I’m going to explain how to do that, even when it comes to big, nation-wide issues. The takeaway here is that if there is something you care deeply about, you can take meaningful action in your own community that can ripple outward to influence larger change.

Believe it or not, major national issues like healthcare, civil rights, and climate change are deeply connected to decisions made at the local level. Policies don’t just appear out of nowhere. They start in city halls, school boards, and county commissions. Local governments set precedents, create models, and build momentum that can ultimately inspire state and national policies. When I was a city council member, I was part of a governing body that drafted and enacted local policies on solar energy, affordable housing, toxic chemicals in water, carbon emissions, and toxic free pesticides, to name a few.

Healthcare: Real Change Happens Close to Home

We certainly must brace ourselves for the dramatic healthcare reforms coming out of Washington, but thankfully, some of the most impactful decisions about access to care happen locally. Your city or county government plays a role in funding community clinics, expanding mental health services, and allocating resources to address public health crises.

Local governments also decide whether to invest in mobile health clinics, free vaccination programs, or expanded services for uninsured residents. When citizens push for these initiatives, they don’t just improve healthcare access for their neighbors, they create a working example of what compassionate, equitable care can look like nationwide.

Civil Rights: Grassroots Action Fuels Progress

Civil rights movements typically make headlines at the national level, but real change has always started locally. Consider the Montgomery Bus Boycott of the 1950s. What began as a protest against unfair transit policies in one city became a catalyst for a nationwide movement.

Today, the same principle applies. If you want to advance racial justice, you can start by advocating for police accountability in your town, supporting local organizations that fight for equity, or pushing for fair housing policies. These local wins serve as blueprints for change in other communities, creating a ripple effect that extends far beyond city limits.

Climate Change: The Fight for Sustainability Begins in Our Neighborhoods

Climate policies may be debated at global summits, but the everyday decisions that shape our environment happen much closer to home. Local governments determine whether to build more bike lanes, transition public buildings to renewable energy, or protect green spaces from development.

Advocating for local sustainability initiatives, such as creating a carbon neutral footprint or supporting solar energy projects, does more than reduce emissions in your town. It builds a network of climate-conscious communities, increasing pressure on state and federal leaders to take bold action.

Your Community, Your Impact

I guarantee that the issues you care deeply about are being shaped right now in city council meetings, planning commissions, and community boardrooms across the country. You don’t need to wait for Congress to act (or ignore). By showing up to town meetings, joining advocacy groups, or simply using your voice to push for local change, you can help make your community a model for others.

When we work locally, we don’t just make a difference at home, we set the stage for national transformation. That’s how movements grow. Local government is an opportunity to establish the last line of defense for the democratic values and principles that define the United States of America.