Defending Democracy: How Cities Rise Up When Feds Push Down

Event ID: PP1162800

Wed, Mar 18, 2026 | 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Venue: Salon E (Hilton Austin Downtown)

View on Official SXSW

Summary

As federal authoritarianism threatens civil rights, immigration, and economic justice, cities are stepping up to defend democracy. Join District 2 Austin City Councilmember Vanessa Fuentes, former New York City Comptroller Brad Lander, and District 1 Los Angeles City Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez as they share diverse, frontline perspectives in this conversation moderated by Francesca Menes, Managing Director of the Membership & Organizing Team at Local Progress. If democracy survives this moment, it will be because cities held the line.

Contributors

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