Policy Practicum: The Local Democracy Project (810R): Policy Practicum: The State and Local Democracy Project. Politics have never felt more nationalized, and yet the need to promote democracy has never seemed more local. That is the running thesis of this policy practicum: that the foundation of our democratic system begins in counties, towns, and cities, and that states set the terms of local resources and autonomy. Over the course of this quarter, we will partner with three local governments to work on pressing legal and policy questions: the mayor's office of Kansas City, MO; the county government in Allegheny County, PA; and state legislators and civil society actors in Jackson, MS. Our work will relate to poverty, population decline, fiscal distress, tax policy, housing, and/or local conflict with state governments. Students will work in small teams, with each team working with one city partner. Each team will be supervised by 1-2 elected officials, legislators, policy staff, and/or local attorneys from that city, as well as Professor Anderson and/or Aidan Houston. Each student will conduct legal/policy research and write their initial memos independently, though they may fuse their work products at the end of the quarter. Where possible, we will make an effort to match students with their preferred topics and places. Meetings will include all-lab meetings (at a mutually workable time) four times during the quarter (including a final dinner) for "general rounds" and to discuss cross-cutting themes from their work. Students will also meet in their small teams with instructors and partners several times during the quarter (again, times TBD) to discuss their projects, ask questions, and share their findings. At the end of the quarter, students will submit a research memo draft and receive a round of feedback before submitting their final memos. Students will be admitted by consent, with a preference for those with demonstrated interest in local government law and policy, as well as a commitment to public service. Non-SLS graduate students with relevant experience and skills are welcome to apply. This Project is a "sister" policy lab to the Santa Clara County Litigation and Policy Partnership--it uses key elements of that pedagogical model but partners with other local governments. After the term begins, students approved for R-credit can transfer from section 01 into section 02 (independent research paper) which meets the R requirement. Elements used in grading: Attendance, performance, written assignments. CONSENT APPLICATION: To apply for this course, students must complete a Consent Application Form available at SLS Registrar https://registrar.law.stanford.edu/.