REIMAGINE Thriving communities
When we reimagine thriving communities…
We imagine communities where everyone feels safe and can thrive in their pursuits. We imagine all residents can move freely and safely through neighborhoods; seniors can age in place and retire with security; and families and children can access nutritious food and comprehensive health care. We imagine systems of public safety that center restorative justice and community support, not policing and punitive punishment. We imagine robust structures that address all mental health needs and fully support survivors in healing from traumatic experiences. We imagine equitable public education and investment in youth development that exposes them to their infinite potential and possibilities. We imagine communities where access to health services is not contingent on employment and where quality child care is accessible, affordable, and a well-paid profession.
Across the country, communities are investing in services and affordable housing, issuing bonds to invest in bold, new and equitable transit systems, reinventing systems of public safety, investing in trauma response and prioritizing investments for long underserved communities of color and dismantling systems of mass incarceration. These steps are essential building blocks towards the northstar vision of what it means to reimagine thriving communities.
Here are ten examples of the work already being done, laying the foundation for a more just and equitable future:
the work continues.
As we continue this work, we must constantly ask ourselves what we can do, and we must ask and engage with our constituents and communities to meet the needs they have.
Our framework seeks to answer these questions and pushes us to continue asking ourselves about what we want our future to look like:
How can we prioritize the safety of all of our residents by replacing our current failed system of over-policing and mass incarceration with a comprehensive approach to violence and community harm that is grounded in the lived experience of those most impacted by our current systems?
What does it look like when local governments center the health and well being of all residents, particularly those currently experiencing unequal outcomes resulting from systemic racism?
What does it look like to center mobility, safe and affordable housing and workforce development systems to meet community needs and ensure the freedom to stay, move and thrive?
How do we advance harm reduction strategies while simultaneously working to transform the criminal legal system?
How can we ensure that our young people have the freedom to thrive and that our communities and schools support them in following their talents and passions?
additional resources
Public policy can be a tool for advancing equity and justice. Here are additional resources from the Local Progress policy book that address a range of ideas and issues that are essential for creating thriving communities:
KEEP EXPLORING
Dare to Reimagine showcases more than 50 policy wins and organizing efforts across 22 states and DC that are moving us towards a more just and equitable future.