The Power of Local & State Solutions

Why are local and state policy solutions essential in promoting community health and addressing the root causes of health inequities? What do community and government partners need to know in order to develop effective, community-led policies?

We launched our 2025 training series Accelerating Policy Change with a foundational webinar, The Power of Local & State Solutions. At ChangeLab Solutions, we believe that collective action to reduce health disparities can be extremely successful when it begins at the local level.

This webinar discusses the advantages of local and state policy solutions, detailing why local governments often serve as laboratories for policy change. Our panel of public health leaders shares inspiring stories of local policy successes and examines concepts such as preemption and community engagement, to support you in implementing effective policy change that improves health and well-being in your own community. 

Speakers

• Sarah de Guia, chief executive officer, ChangeLab Solutions (moderator)
• Daniel Cohen, director of community enhancement, Chesterfield County, Virginia
• McKenzie Cowlbeck, executive director, Oklahoma Public Health Association
• Tina Ansong, senior planner, ChangeLab Solutions
• Jami Crespo, senior attorney, ChangeLab Solutions

Recording

Blog Post

Local and state policies have the power to drive meaningful change. This blog breaks down five key lessons that emerged from the 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 Five Key Ideas that Unlock the Power of Local & State Policy Solutions.