Local and state governments have always held great power to shape policies that build healthy, thriving communities and reflect the values and priorities of residents. That power remains potent: opportunities for innovation continue to emerge from localities and states. ChangeLab Solutions is responding to the moment with Accelerating Policy Change (APC), a series of webinars and regional in-person convenings. We invite leaders from public health, government, community-based organizations, business, and health care to join us as we share tools and practices that support people-centered policymaking.
In February, we initiated the APC series with our webinar The Power of Local & State Solutions. Now I’m thrilled to announce that registration is open for our first APC in-person convening, Accelerating Policy Change in California's Central Valley, which will be held in Fresno, California, on Wednesday, April 23. Additional locations for regional convenings will be announced soon. Catch up on the Accelerating Policy Change series below, and stay tuned for upcoming events.
If you are able to help us meet the needs of communities across the country, please consider becoming a sponsor of Accelerating Policy Change.
In-Person Convening: Accelerating Policy Change in California’s Central Valley
If you’re based near Fresno, California, join us for a daylong convening to deepen your skill set for advancing local policy change. Through interactive sessions, small-group activities, and inspiring panel discussions, you’ll expand your knowledge of how to read and understand the law. You'll hear from others about approaches to people-centered policymaking and develop tailored action steps so you can immediately apply what you’ve learned to your work. Don’t miss this strategic opportunity to grow partnerships and further your efforts to create thriving communities in the Central Valley. Learn more about the event, register if you are in the region, and share it with local colleagues or networks!
If you’re not in the Central Valley, stay tuned for news on Accelerating Policy Change convenings to be held in locations across the United States throughout 2025. We hope you’ll be able to join an APC convening in a region near you.
Webinar: The Power of Local & State Solutions
Did you miss the first webinar in our series? In Accelerating Policy Change: The Power of Local & State Solutions, our speakers shared essential knowledge and concepts — about preemption, community engagement, and more — to support government and community partners in developing and implementing effective health policies. Check out the recording, and watch for the second webinar, which will focus on food systems, coming on May 1!
Blog: Five Key Ideas That Unlock the Power of Local & State Policy Solutions
Local and state policies have the power to drive meaningful changes in community health. This blog breaks down five key lessons that emerged from the first APC webinar as experts in public health law, planning, and community development shared their policy successes. These insights can help changemakers navigate the policymaking process and create health improvements in their communities. Read our blog post for key takeaways and resources.
Become a Sponsor
Support Accelerating Policy Change! We have sponsorship opportunities at many levels. Learn more about how to become a sponsor. Your financial support will help us create spaces where changemakers can access tools and expertise to help them design, implement, and enforce equitable policies. Together, we can strengthen communities, advance health goals, and drive transformative policy change.
This series was made possible in part by support from The Kresge Foundation. We also thank our event sponsor TDE Consulting Group.
3/26/2025