Today’s Economic Democracy Weekly appears one day after national polls closed. But this election’s importance does not refute the famous observation of Tip O’Neil, Speaker of the House from 1977 to 1987, that “all politics is local.” 

What did O’Neill mean by this? He was hardly denying the role of federal policy. But he was emphasizing that politics and policy rely on local relationships. That theme lies at the heart of today’s articles. We begin with an article on the place-based complexities faced by movements for social housing. Next, an analysis of the importance of mayors as local economic actors. That’s followed by a story that examines how frontline BIPOC communities are organizing to make federal climate policy work for them. Lastly, an account of a 2,400-artist guaranteed income pilot in New York illustrates the connections between local activism, philanthropy, and public policy.