Who really holds decision-making power when states override local action, and what does that mean for communities of color? In this dynamic webinar, hosted by the National Academy of Public Administration's Standing Panel on Social Equity in Governance, presenters unpack new research from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation State Preemption Project focused on the Kansas City metro area. The session traces how preemption operates in law, language, and practice; how “forced inaction” shapes generational health and economic outcomes; and how narratives in legislative debates influence policy choices. Participants will engage in a forward-looking discussion on what these findings mean for governance, equity, and public administration leadership.