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- Local Power Summit
Local Power Summit
July 22-23, 2025
The Pump House by Ironworks
(accommodations at Residence Inn)
In every neighborhood, city, and county, local government leaders are the driving force behind resilient communities. They ensure critical services are available and residents are safe and healthy. In times of uncertainty, their leadership isn’t just important, it’s indispensable.
Amid growing public distrust in government and deepening economic concerns, local leaders now face another challenge: targeted attacks by the Trump administration. Unlawful federal funding cuts and restrictive policies are burdening local governments and making a tough job even harder.
Join us for a two-day event that will bring together a diverse group of leaders — all driven by the desire to strengthen our communities. Speakers include local officials, mayors, county commissioners, policy experts, and advocacy organizations.
The event will drive meaningful dialogue and actionable strategies to address pressing challenges, including economic policy, immigration, civil rights, and climate change.
Local power provides a clear opportunity to protect, lead, and fight today for a better tomorrow. Let’s do this together.
Hosted by
Public Rights Project
Institute for Responsive Government
Neil Makhija, Montgomery County Commissioner (Pennsylvania)
Tentative agenda
TUESDAY, JULY 22
| 9:00 a.m. | Welcome remarks Speaker: Neil Makhija, Montgomery County Commissioner |
| 9:15 a.m. | Keynote remarks and Q&A The importance of delivering for constituents in this moment |
| 9:45 a.m. | Panel conversation Protecting local funding and priorities: Litigating against the Trump administration Moderator: Jill Habig, founder and CEO, Public Rights Project |
| 10:45 a.m. | Breakout groups -Protecting public safety and avoiding federal entanglement in immigration -Tackling issues of equity and educational opportunity in the current landscape |
| 12:45 p.m. | Midday remarks and Q&A How local governments can deliver for their constituents |
| 1:15 p.m. | Vignette How a local official took action |
| 1:25 p.m. | Panel conversation Threats to democracy from the federal government |
| 2:30 p.m. | Breakout groups -Advancing key local initiatives amid loss of federal funding: Housing affordability -Advancing key local initiatives amid loss of federal funding: Climate resilience |
| 3:30 p.m. | Fireside chat In the face of resistance: Continuing the fight in the court |
WEDNESDAY, JULY 23
| 9:15 a.m. | Working session Developing budget resilience |
| 11:00 a.m. | Working session Tackling affordability in housing, health care, and jobs |
| 1:15 p.m. | Working session Coalition building: Identifying needs and opportunities |
| 2:30 p.m. | Reflections and wrap-up |
| 3:00 p.m. | Adjourn |
Need more info? Submit your questions.
