In the second of three steps to secure funding for workforce development and affordable housing, PCIC leaders testified before Pima County Supervisors, persuading them to support (4-1) an expanded bond package which includes a building for workforce development program JobPath ($1M), affordable housing ($20M), neighborhood reinvestment ($25M) and open space / environment ($80M).

Randy Mayer, the pastor of Good Shepherd UCC, argued that this bond was an opportunity to leave the County in better shape than they found it. He also pledged the support of PCIC and Southern Arizona Interfaith to help pass the propositions this November -- the final step towards victory.

Over 400 leaders of COPS / Metro Alliance assembled at St. Henry's Catholic Church, to confront the top candidates for Mayor and City Council (Districts 2, 3, 5 and 7) on wages, workforce development and housing in the City.

Leaders asked candidates to commit to raising wages for the lowest paid city employees from $11.47 to $14.91 / hour over three years, starting with $13 / hour for fiscal year 2016; establishing a wage floor for contracted and outsourced workers to at least the City's current minimum of $11.47; stabilizing city funding for workforce development program Project Quest at $2 million per year; and working with COP / Metro leaders on a 2017 city bond for housing rehabilitation.

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In the months leading up to the 2015 New South Wales election, Sydney Alliance engaged 2,500 leaders from across the state through table talks and regional assemblies. Leaders urged candidates for public office to commit to investing in three areas: transportation, affordable housing and "working start" (apprenticeships and training for disadvantaged young people). Sydney Alliance was so successful, major parties adopted their platform on affordable housing, including crucial minor parties in the NSW upper house. Click on photo for video.

Midway through a multi-year civic education campaign concerning public school funding, Yuma County Interfaith leaders supported passage of a $21 Million infrastructure bond for Yuma School District One in an election that succeeded by 1,500 votes. Leaders are continuing the education push through civic academies in surrounding school districts - including sessions with administrative personnel, staff, principals and parents.

When a healthcare program for undocumented children they had created was threatened by Santa Cruz County budget cuts, COPA leaders did not stand idly by. They quickly mobilized supporters from Catholic, Jewish, Methodist and other nonprofit partners to persuade the Board of Supervisors and healthcare provides to fund the effort. And they succeeded.

United Way of Santa Cruz County recognized the organization's efforts (and its collaboration with Community Foundation and 1st 5 nonprofits) with an "Advocacy Award" for COPA leadership (pictured above).

Following up on fall training offered to members of OTOC, the Institute for Public Leadership of Omaha expanded its offerings this year to include civic academies that deal specifically with the interests of refugee women. Women from Burundi, Myanmar, Congo and South Sudan gathered for four sessions that covered local governance in America and how school districts work. Says Ndaizeye Immaculee: "By coming to Refugee Women Leadership I learned how the levels of government work in Omaha and Nebraska...."

In one instance, conversation in the civic academy revealed that immigrant women are often not covered by their husband's health insurance policy (nor by CHIP which covers their children) and thus do not have access to affordable care. Subsequent sessions have been scheduled through the Spring to cover areas like healthcare access, domestic violence, housing and consumer credit.

When Valley Interfaith leader Monse Martinez (in photo, upper left)

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Leaders from across Louisiana assembled to learn about their state's $1.6 billion budget deficit, the lack of access to fresh food experienced by over 1 million Louisianans, and how to organize effectively in their local communities for maximum state impact. Elected officials in attendance, including Agricultural Commissioner Mike Strain (R) and Democrats from North & Southern Louisiana agreed to work with Together Louisiana to address the budget and food access.

When the Baton Rouge Mid City General Hospital announced plans to close their ER, Together Baton Rouge leaders swung into action. 50 leaders gathered at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center with a letter to the CEO requesting assistance; they argue that the planned closures will result in increased death rates overall. Leaders are also challenging the Louisiana Governor and Baton Rouge General to create a solution.

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Mississippi was one of only three states in the country without a housing trust fund. 'Working Together Jackson' changed that.

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