Publications library

2025 Annual impact report

In 2025, the second Trump administration hit the ground running with its authoritarian playbook, forcing mayors and communities to respond in full force to protect people and uphold civil rights. At Public Rights Project, we have matched that energy with action.

Pitts v. United States: Decision update and implications for future ballot seizures

On May 6, 2026, the District Court for the Northern District of Georgia issued a decision in Pitts v. United States, denying a motion by Fulton County local election officials to return the ballots seized by the FBI. Here's what the ruling means for future ballot seizures.

Louisiana v. Callais: Decision update and implications for voting rights

On April 29, 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court released a deeply consequential 6-3 decision in Louisiana v. Callais et al. Here's the history of this case and what the ruling means for voting rights going forward.

Bost v. Illinois: Implications for local election officials

On January 14, 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that candidates have the right to sue in federal court over state election rules they believe are unlawful, without having to prove they’ve been harmed. Here's why this matters and what the Bost v. Illinois decision means for local election officials.

Civil Rights Hub overview

Public Rights Project's (PRP) Civil Rights Hub offers free legal support and technical assistance for local governments. Learn more about the Hub's services, PRP's impact, and how to partner with us. 

Protecting civil rights at the local level overview

As the federal government increasingly attacks long-standing civil rights protections, local governments are particularly well-positioned to protect their communities. The 10th Amendment preserves powers to the states and governments, but local jurisdictions have to take the necessary steps to implement and enforce policies. Here are several ways local government attorneys can leverage their unique power to defend local interests.

Local government authority overview

Whether it’s repairing relationships between a community and its police, seeking protections against racial discrimination and wage theft in the workplace, or protecting voters seeking access to the ballot, governments at the state, local, and tribal levels can ensure its community’s rights are protected. Here are a few ways local government attorneys protect the rule of law.

Affirmative litigation overview

Affirmative litigation proactively enforces laws protecting individuals’ and communities’ rights. Government lawyers file lawsuits to address violations that harm residents at a local, state, or federal level.

Oakland city attorney’s affirmative litigation strategy yields significant ROI for the people of Oakland

2024 Annual impact report

In 2024, we curtailed abuses of power, defended reproductive freedoms, and worked with local election officials to protect the integrity of our election. Learn more in our impact report.

The Local Power & Politics Review: Fourth Edition

Update to preempting progress: States take aim at local prosecutors

Georgia courts to consider legislative oversight of prosecutorial discretion — again

2023 Annual impact report

In 2023, we partnered with local governments and communities to fight back against the companies, people, and institutions that threaten our civil rights. Read the report.

Opinion: A Supreme Court ruling is a warning for Prop. 13 — tax law should be fair

California Supreme Court to consider prosecutorial discretion over “three-strikes” law

2022 Annual impact report

Ron DeSantis’ war against free speech is really all about abortion

Preempting progress: States take aim at local prosecutors

The abortion battle has moved to your local court

2021 Annual impact report

Comment on: RIN 1218-AD42 COVID-19 vaccination and testing; emergency temporary standard

PRP launches workers’ rights magazine — The Public

Localities letter to CFPB RE consumer complaint database

2020 Annual impact report

In the face of many challenges, 2020 was a year of working in partnership with our network to drive actionable change for the communities in our cities that need it most. Read the report.

The power and potential of state attorneys general to end police brutality

Equitable enforcement to achieve health equity

Diverse coalition committed to protecting constitutional rights urges Congress to hold federal law enforcement accountable in police reform bill

The fight for contraceptive coverage rages in the time of COVID-19

Re-opening requires putting working families first

Reaching vulnerable tenants to enforce state and local eviction moratoriums

Op-ed: I am a public servant, not a public charge

Op-ed: Local governments need to join the fight against Trump’s cruel ‘public charge’ rule

Growing an equitable enforcement practice: A guide for local prosecutors to fight corporate abuse

Op-ed: When state attorneys general secretly undermine their own laws

Op-ed: More criminal records should be cleared automatically

Op-ed: Corporations are abusing people. Here’s how to better protect workers and consumers

Voices from the corporate enforcement gap: Findings from the first national survey of people who have experienced corporate abuse

Public Rights Project fellow: Colin Stroud

Beyond Resistance: A guide for local governments to protect their communities

Local action, national impact: A practical guide to affirmative litigation for local governments

Op-ed: Ruling a victory in battle for affordable housing

Cities as engines of justice

A new vision for public safety: Realigning prosecutorial priorities to fight for residents’ rights