Dear colleagues and friends,
ChangeLab Solutions strives to be a catalyst for health equity, especially during these challenging times. In my first full year as CEO, I have been continually inspired by the dedication and ingenuity of our staff, board members, funders, and partners as we work to buoy our country through the century’s largest pandemic as well as combat health and racial inequities. Please consider supporting us in advancing our vision for health equity.
Without you, our funders and partners, we couldn’t do this vital work! Thank you for contributing to our accomplishments in 2020. Here are some highlights:
Practical tools for COVID-19 response and recovery. We have collaborated on accessible tools for COVID-19 response & recovery, including Assessing Legal Responses to COVID-19, a comprehensive guide for federal, state, and local leaders that provides legal analysis and recommendations from 50 national experts on topics ranging from pandemic preparedness to immigration policy. And in response to the housing affordability crisis spurred by COVID-19, we’ve expanded our platform for technical assistance to local governments and community partners.
Equity-centered guides that promote health. We have continued our policy work on the built environment by creating our primer of long-range planning practices and our planner’s playbook, which center health equity in city and regional planning processes. We’ve also written a resource on equitable enforcement, to help ensure that compliance with health and safety laws and policies promotes the well-being of the most underserved communities.
Legal challenges to preemption. We’ve expanded our efforts to support local governments in pushing back against corporate interests, backing a legal challenge to a California law that prevents local governments from raising critical revenues to fund services for residents. Winning this lawsuit could set an example for efforts across the country to combat misuses of state preemption that undermine local governments’ authority to adopt health- and equity-promoting laws and policies. In addition, we’ve created a guide to help local advocates assess and address preemption issues that affect health equity.
In 2021, we will continue to fight for health equity, and I am confident that together, we will progress toward a healthier future for all.
As you make your year-end giving plans, please remember that your financial donation to ChangeLab Solutions helps us advance our vision for an equitable future. Thank you in advance for your support!
In solidarity,
Sarah de Guia, JD
CEO, ChangeLab Solutions
12/10/2020