The City of Charlottesville, Virginia, has nudged the state of Virginia and the United States in the right direction for a long time.
Having lived in the city since 2005 and in the area much longer, I've seen and been part of some of it, including by supporting these resolutions passed by the City Council:
For Clean Elections (2012)
No War on Iran (2012 and 2020) -- that first one was a U.S. first that inspired others.
No Drones (2013) -- a first in the U.S. that inspired many others and made news globally.
Move the Money (2017) -- part of a national movement that has continued to grow, including also resolutions passed by the U.S. Conference of Mayors with the support of Charlottesville mayors.
Divestment from Weapons and Fossil Fuels (2019) -- an inspiration for other localities around the United States and beyond.
Demilitarization of Police (2020)
And this past Monday a new group of engaged Charlottesville residents persuaded the City Council to pass a resolution for a Ceasefire in Gaza. (2024)
I knew there had been many resolutions prior to these as well. I'm told there was one against the first Gulf War with huge popular support.
Molly Conger recently posted all of these on Twitter:
1973 Condemning Nixon's freeze on affordable housing funding
1981 For funding for defense lawyers for indigent
1981 In support of Equal Rights Amendment
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