There are a number of options that cities and towns (and counties, states, tribal nations and other governmental entities) can take to help save the planet and bring an end to the world’s suicidal addiction to nuclear weapons and fossil fuels. With the federal government under the control of climate deniers and dangerous warmongers, action at the local level is more important than ever!
Types of action that can be taken by a city or town:
Different states and different municipalities within those states may have different laws and regulations governing what can and cannot be voted on or decided at the local level. Below are some basic types, but there are many variations and you need to find out what applies to your own city or town.
A. Resolutions: These are expressions of the will of the people but are non-binding and cannot be enforced
These may include ballot initiatives, referenda and other forms of direct citizen participation that are normally in the form of a resolution and must still be enacted into law by a governing body to take effect (see C. below). These also include Mayoral “Proclamations” and other forms of action which are mainly symbolic and non-binding.
- Recommendatory resolutions: These are resolutions passed by a city or town that call on the federal government take action.
- Calling on the US to join the Nuclear Ban Treaty (TPNW) – example: Philadelphia, PA
- Calling on the US to pass a Green New Deal – example: Northampton, MA
- Draft model combined resolution calling on the US to address the twin existential threats
- Decisional resolutions: These are resolutions that call on the city or town itself to take some action, but are still non-binding.
- Declaring you city to be a Mayors for Peace city
- Declaring your city to be a Nuclear Free Zone
- Declaring your city to be a Transition City
- Committing your city to phase out fossil fuels – example: Ithaca, NY
- Divesting from nuclear weapons – New York, NY
- Divesting from fossil fuels
- Divesting from Gaza – example: Portland, ME
- Draft model resolution
B. Executive Orders and Policy Statements: These have the force of law but are generally temporary
- Mayor’s Executive Order:
- Example – Northampton, MA
- Legislative Policy Statement:
C. Ordinances, By-Laws and Statutes: These are generally binding and long-lasting laws that can be enforced
- Prohibitions
- prohibiting nuclear weapons activities in your city
- prohibiting fossil fuels in new construction – example: Cambridge, MA
- Divestment
- divestment from nuclear weapons companies
- divestment from fossil fuel companies – example: Boston, MA
- Draft model Divestment Act combining fossil fuel, nuclear weapons and other divestment
- Procurement – purchases and contracts
- from nuclear weapons companies
- from fossil fuel companies
- Combined NFZ ordinance