What we do
Local elected leaders work hard every day to make our cities safer, cleaner, and stronger for their communities. But that’s not all. When they have the right resources, they can also play a key role in advancing civil rights and defending them from attack.
Public Rights Project is in their corner with the legal strategies, tools, and collective power to effectively use the courts to protect their communities’ 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
We find the fight, set the strategy, and power the people.
When challenges arise, we advise and offer legal support to local elected officials, so they can enforce and protect civil rights in their communities.
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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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Press8/7/2026Court sides with local governments challenging latest efforts to politicize homelessness funding grants
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Press8/3/2026Bipartisan coalition of 118 election officials urges U.S. Supreme Court to block executive order to change voting procedures
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Press7/27/2026Public Rights Project announces 2026 Affirmative Leaders Fellows
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Press7/14/2026More than 50 local governments oppose federal rule restricting billions in grants