Issues
Addressing Systemic Racism
The killings of Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd and Breonna Taylor are only the most recent reminders that the greatest challenge our government partners often face is systemic racism. Systemic racism is the process by which policies, practices, representations and norms work to reinforce racial inequities. Pervasive inequality for the Black community in economic, educational and health outcomes is the result. In the criminal justice system, it has led to policies, patterns of conduct and practices that have often resulted in two types of justice — one Black and one White.
The Cost of Fine & Fee Collection
Local government budget officials need to rethink their reliance on fees and fines from the criminal justice system as a revenue source. There are strong practical and fiscal policy reasons for a re-examination.
The Debate Over Defunding the Police
Demands to “defund the police” have increased, especially following the killing of George Floyd in June of 2020 and the nationwide social justice protests that followed. These demands are often seen as radical when in fact, they are not. While few are suggesting an end to policing, it is time to end the exceptional place that police — and public safety and law enforcement in general — have held in budget debates in cities and counties across the nation.