This new volume equips nonprofit and faith leaders with practical strategies to work more effectively with city governments. Too often, local regulations and policies unintentionally make it more expensive to be poor. From housing and childcare to transportation and reentry after incarceration, city hall can either break down barriers or build them higher. This guide helps local leaders understand how to be constructive partners in shaping policies that allow communities to thrive.
About True Charity
True Charity is a nationwide initiative that equips and connects nonprofits, churches and community leaders to practice charity that is voluntary, effective and empowering. Its mission is to advance a new standard of compassionate service—one that honors human dignity and fosters lasting independence. In this project, True Charity joins Better Cities Project to show how grassroots organizations can bring their on-the-ground knowledge into the policy arena.
Highlights from the Book
Local Policies to Expand Economic Opportunity features contributions from policy experts and practitioners who offer roadmaps to reform in key areas:
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Patrick Tuohey, Better Cities Project — How to Approach City Hall: A Practical Guide to Shaping Local Policy
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Stephen Slivinski, Cato Institute, and Chad Reese, Institute for Justice — Removing Barriers to Work and Rebuilding Communities
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Greg Brooks, Better Cities Project — Affordable, Abundant Housing Starts at City Hall
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Michael McShane, EdChoice — Childcare: Old Solutions to New Problems
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Baruch Feigenbaum, Reason Foundation — Improving Access to Transportation
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Chad Reese, Institute for Justice — Accountability is Key to More Just Criminal Justice
Each chapter provides practicable guidance for local nonprofits to engage with policymakers as allies—sharing expertise, building coalitions and ensuring policies work for those most in need.
Why It Matters
Cities across the country face rising costs of living, strained budgets and limited services. But there are proven local solutions that can expand opportunity without expanding public budgets. This guide gives charity leaders the tools to be effective advocates for reform.
We invite you to read Local Policies to Expand Economic Opportunity and share it with colleagues and community partners. Together, we can ensure local policy helps—not hinders—the fight against poverty.