What we do
Local governments know their communities best. Public Rights Project helps ensure their expertise drives real progress for people who have been historically underserved. We provide local government officials with litigation support, legal representation, and training to protect and advance civil rights.
Committed to using government power for good
Committed to using government power for good
Committed to using government power for good
Committed to using government power for good
Committed to using government power for good
How we work
Public Rights Project helps mayors, city attorneys, local election officials, and other local leaders proactively use the legal system to protect and advance civil rights. This is known as affirmative litigation.
We also work with state officials and power-building organizations to help local governments protect and advance civil rights for their communities.
Our ultimate goal is to ensure marginalized people, including BIPOC people, LGBTQIA+ people, pregnant people, and workers, are no longer excluded or exploited.
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Legal advocacy
We serve as counsel and file amicus briefs in cases that threaten civil rights.
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Training & fellowships
We offer trainings designed to help government attorneys protect civil rights.
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Network learning
We use insights from our work with local governments as lessons for our network.
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Storytelling
We elevate unheard voices in the fight for civil rights, share insights in the media, and celebrate wins as success models.
“You are like bright beacons in American history that have pushed and moved us forward even in what seemed like the darkest of times. And in those times it has been the champions of justice, the seekers of justice, that have propelled us to the moment that we stand today.”
“What we will see is legislators creating these commissions across the country in an effort to control prosecutor independence and discretion. And that should concern and scare everyone. When I heard that PRP was willing to stand with and fight for us, it was a godsend. It was a gift.”
Resources & updates
Learn more about the issues we’re working on and how we use affirmative litigation to advance civil rights.
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Issues
Find information about the four key issue areas we prioritize in collaboration with government partners. -
Library
Browse our publications and videos explaining how to use government for good. -
Blog
Read insights from our CEO and staff, stories about our fellows, and the latest PRP news. -
In the news
Check out the latest news stories to see how we’re making an impact in the fight for civil rights.
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Press6/11/2025Public Rights Project urges court to protect $820 million in public safety funding
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Press5/29/2025Coalition of local governments issues statement in response to Trump administration releasing sanctuary jurisdictions list
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Press5/21/2025Major win: Frozen grants to be restored in lawsuit challenging federal funding freeze
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Press4/29/2025Public Rights Project (PRP) Challenges Trump Administration’s Unconstitutional Reorganization of Federal Government