Cities Partnership
America’s cities are on the front lines of the student debt crisis.
Cities serve on the front lines and see firsthand the devastating burden debt poses on our communities. Following years of chaos in the student loan system, and amidst an extremist political environment, it is imperative that local governments form a line of defense in the fight to protect borrowers. We’re working with cities and counties to address this crisis, empowering local leaders to stand up for borrowers.
WHAT WE’RE DOING
Building a network of cities and counties
Through the Protect Borrowers Cities Partnership, we provide expert advice and guidance to a growing network of cities and counties, providing training, technical assistance, analysis, and resources to help local leaders assist and advocate for struggling borrowers.
Advocating for stronger state and federal policies
We help cities and counties understand the complex and fast-changing debt landscape—and identify key opportunities to advocate for borrower protections. In the past few years, dozens of cities and counties have joined in advocacy on behalf of borrowers and communities.
Partnering on research and storytelling
Local research, at the regional as well as neighborhood level, is crucial for cities to understand and respond to the burden of household debt and distress. We develop and partner on research and storytelling projects that inform public programs and support person-centered policymaking.
How Does Debt Impact Cities?
Hurts local economies and job markets, including homeownership, family and business formation, and retirement security.
Inhibits the ability of local governments to recruit and retain public service workers.
Reduces community well-being, including health outcomes and rental market stress.
Increases reliance on public benefits and services.
Perpetuates and expands the racial wealth gap.
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EXPLORE OUR OTHER WORK
STATE & LOCAL PROJECTS
We support state-level efforts to ensure we have a safe and well-regulated economy that works for everyone across the country by helping legislatures enact new laws, providing technical assistance as agencies implement and enforce these laws, and training local offices to provide services to their communities.
FREE COLLEGE
Along with our partners, Protect Borrowers is on the front lines working to pass a national plan to guarantee that any student attending a public college has a debt-free pathway and sufficient financial support to meet their cost of attendance.
INSTITUTIONAL DEBT
For years, we have exposed the crisis of “institutional debts” owed directly to colleges for hidden costs, fees, and fines, and are leading statewide and federal efforts to end unjust practices like transcript withholding.
WORKPLACE DEBT & LABOR EXPLOITATION
Every year, tens of millions of Americans leave their jobs. But for many of them, this can come with a surprise: a bill. That’s because more employers are relying on “stay-or-pay” contracts to trap workers, requiring them to pay a penalty if they leave a job. If left unchecked, stay-or-pay contracts have the potential to leave workers buried in debt just for taking a better opportunity or for having to quit a job to navigate personal hardship.
RACIAL & ECONOMIC JUSTICE
We are dedicated to ensuring that marginalized communities are protected from mistreatment by the loan industry. We have investigated and reported on predatory actors who attempt to take advantage of underserved communities. Through innovative advocacy and the novel application of legal tools, Protect Borrowers is working to address discrimination in the market and demonstrate how protecting borrowers is critical to advancing racial equity and economic justice.