One of the top priorities of local, state and federal leaders has always been the health and safety of America’s residents. However, from arrests to convictions to incarcerations to a de-emphasis on mental health, the nation’s approach to public safety and policing has often resulted in racial bias and discrimination, permeating all facets of the criminal justice system. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated this disparity by endangering the health and economic well-being of many individuals across America’s communities. Despite the ever-expanding and oversized role of police, cities, towns and villages have long prioritized investment in public safety infrastructure and wrap-around supports to improve health and safety outcomes. Federal leaders must prioritize reforming and reimagining public safety, policing and healthcare access in America. Local leaders stand ready to work with Congress and the administration on the best long-term solutions around addressing disparities in health and safety of American residents.
Legislation and Regulation
Resources
Maintaining Your City’s Public Safety and Emergency Response Services
Cities have moved quickly this year to provide many services remotely or at a safe social distance to reduce the spread of COVID-19, but public safety and emergency response present unique challenges.
This COVID-19 principle Response Brief provides guidance and outlines specific actions cities can take to maintain public safety and emergency response services during this pandemic.
Protecting and Promoting Residents’ Health
Cities, towns and villages across the country are seeing record caseloads of COVID-19, portending wider spread in the months ahead. The pandemic is dangerously out of control in all regions of the country – as a result, municipalities are struggling with renewed restrictions on opening, and healthcare capacity is seriously strained.
Utilize this COVID-19 principle Response Brief for guidance and specific actions cities to take to protecting and promote residents’ health during this pandemic.
About the Federal Action Agenda
The NLC Advocacy Center takes a proactive approach to the decisions and policies coming out of Washington, D.C. In response to those decisions, we have created the Federal Action Agenda as a resource for the latest information and to provide recommendations on how member cities could best respond and implement. Find our up-to-date recommendations and priorities in the Federal Action Agenda.