Historically, partnership and collaboration between the federal government and local leaders has been uneven, especially on economic policy. But moving forward, state and local leaders must push ahead knowing that the federal government intends to be an obstacle, not a partner. Across the country, mayors and governors are investing in Black communities, growing inclusive economies, and making economic opportunity a matter of local policy. And voters must begin to hold mayors, city councils, and governors to the same standard we hold federal leaders – arguably, higher. —Alphonso David is a civil rights attorney, co-counsel to the Fearless Fund, and the President and CEO of the Global Black Economic Forum.