As federal authoritarianism threatens civil rights, immigration, and economic justice, cities are stepping up to defend democracy. If democracy survives this moment, it will be because cities held the line.

District 2 Austin City Councilmember Vanessa Fuentes, at-Large Philadelphia City Councilmember Kendra Brooks, and Ward 9 Minneapolis City Councilmember Jason Chavez gathered during SXSW 2026 in Austin to share diverse, frontline perspectives in this conversation moderated by Francesca Menes, Managing Director of the Membership & Organizing Team at Local Progress. 

Learn more about Local Progress at ⁠https://localprogress.org/⁠.

Thanks for listening! Learn more about Progress Texas and how you can support our ongoing work at ⁠https://progresstexas.org/⁠.