Municipal ID cards as a local strategy to promote belonging and shared community identity

The lack of official identification for many residents, including immigrants, children, the homeless, and other vulnerable groups, restricts their access to services, law enforcement, and financial institutions, causing increased vulnerability and decreased civic participation. Localities should issue municipal identification cards to all residents, regardless of immigration status, to provide a means of proving identity, thereby improving access to services and enhancing public safety. These ID cards may also serve as library cards, debit cards, and access cards for city services.