Today we are excited to announce the launch of Cities & Counties for Fine and Fee Justice, a national leadership network of local places committed to meaningful fine and fee reform, that works better for people and for government. The San Francisco Financial Justice Project, PolicyLink, and the Fines and Fees Justice Center collaborated to launch the network.
Across the country, city and county leaders are advancing bold reforms to ensure their fines, fees, and tickets do not place a disproportionate burden on low-income residents and people of color. These leaders have realized that fines and fees often exceed people’s ability to pay them are a lose-lose, for people and for government. These leaders are implementing smart reforms that advance racial equity, make a difference in the lives of residents, increase economic prosperity, and are feasible for government to implement.
Cities & Counties for Fines and Fee Justice will build on this momentum, and help cities and counties develop and implement reforms that make a difference in the lives of low-income residents and residents of color.
Through the network, participating local officials will engage with local community organizations, receive individualized technical assistance from national experts and peers across the country, and lead local teams that advance cutting-edge policies. Our long-term goal is to create a cohort of cities and counties that act as national leaders, create innovative models of effective reforms, and inspire localities across the country to do the same. Participating jurisdictions will receive $50,000 in grant funding to build capacity and advance reform.
We are accepting applications for the network’s inaugural cohort, which will launch in the first quarter of 2020. The deadline for submitting applications is 6:00 p.m. PST/9:00 EST on February 14, 2020. Join us for an informational webinar on December 17th, 11:00 am PST/2:00 PST to learn more.
Please help us spread the word to city and county innovators across the country!
Yours in Financial Justice,
Anne & Christa