Sure, but in local government you can (a) make real progress at a local level and (b) shape priorities of the layers of government above you. In local governme

Sure, but in local government you can (a) make real progress at a local level and (b) shape priorities of the layers of government above you. In local government you can adjust zoning to encourage low-income housing and encourage multi-use residential/commercial zones. You can demilitarize local police forces and encourage a "protect and serve" attitude. You can set up needle exchange programs to reduce the spread of blood-borne diseases. You can accept refugees into your community. There is also communication between different layers of government, both formal communication and informal networking -- a lot of state representatives and congressmen used to serve in local government. Getting involved in local government gives you another way to influence policy at a state and federal level.