CPA: Looking Back, Forging Ahead

For the past 20 years, the hallmark of CPA’s work has been the continuing effort to empower local and state communities. In recent years, this job has expanded to deal with the decreasing role federal government programs and support play in the daily lives of Americans. CPA began in 1976 as an organizational effort to support the many progressive politicians entering office with limited policy experience. Since 1976, CPA’s activities have evolved from networking to developing progressive policy to connecting progressive policy with key players across the country.

As we look ahead to our next 20 years, CPA is building on the partnerships we have formed across traditional boundaries to support progressive policy in the states. Devolution – the passage of responsibility, both fiscal and practical, to lower levels of government – continues to be one of the top challenges and opportunities facing the states. Making sure that state and local leaders are well equipped with the practical tools to capitalize on this shift is now, more than ever, a core objective of CPA.