About Libby's Local List
What is Libby’s Local List?
Libby’s Local List (L3) is a platform dedicated to showcasing the power and potential of local government and local civic action. Founded by Libby Garvey after nearly three decades of public service, this initiative aims to inspire, inform, and empower individuals and communities to engage with and strengthen local governance and our national democracy.
Our Mission: At its core, L3 is about celebrating the essential role of local government in building equitable, innovative, and resilient communities and a strong national democracy. We provide resources, insights, and a spotlight on local events and the incredible work being done by local leaders who are committed to making a difference.
What We Do:
-
Highlight Local Events and Achievements: We shine a light on the unsung heroes of local government and the impactful projects and events they lead.
-
Educate and Inform: Through blog posts, articles, and curated resources, we aim to deepen understanding of key issues like preserving democracy, climate change, housing affordability, and equity.
-
Inspire Action: By sharing stories of resilience and success, we encourage individuals to get involved in their communities, whether by showing up at events, volunteering, voting, or running for office themselves.
-
Support Emerging Leaders: We’re committed to fostering the next generation of public servants who will carry our values into the future.
Why It Matters: In an era of national and global challenges, local government is often the most accessible and effective level of governance, particularly as our national government is destroyed around us. . L3 seeks to ensure that this vital work is recognized, supported, and celebrated. Together, we can ensure our communities thrive and our values endure both locally and nationally.
About Libby Garvey
Early Career and Public Service: Libby began her journey in public service as a Peace Corps Volunteer in the Central African Republic. She worked for Congressman Lee Hamilton of Indiana and held many volunteer positions before being elected to the Arlington School Board in 1996. During her tenure, she championed policies to improve public education, foster equity, and ensure that every child had access to the resources they needed to succeed. Her leadership helped make Arlington schools some of the best in the nation. In 2012, Libby was elected to the Arlington County Board, where she served for over a decade. As a County Board member, she focused on key issues such as sustainable development, community resiliency, and public transportation. She played a pivotal role in advancing policies that prioritized environmental sustainability, inclusivity, and long-term resilience. Beyond Public Office: Since stepping away from elected office, Libby has remained deeply engaged in supporting and strengthening local government as well as preserving our national democracy through Libby’s Local List. She continues to inspire others to take an active role in their communities and to recognize the incredible potential of local action to drive meaningful change and protect what we hold most dear. A Guiding Philosophy: Libby’s work has always been grounded in the Golden Rule: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." She believes that this simple principle is the foundation of good governance and is essential for building a better, more equitable world, and probably crucial for the long term survival of the human species.
Local Resources
Below are a series of local resources in Northern Virginia can use to better understand how effective good, local government can be: I’d like to share a link to Volunteer Arlington which keeps a list of nonprofit organizations that help our community. You may want to volunteer or donate to any of them. Another worthy group you may want help is the Arlington Community Foundation that supports the work of non-profits.