As the south regional representative for the National League of Cities (NLC), I have the privilege of working with local leaders across the South, from small towns to large urban centers, helping you access the resources, networks and advocacy that form the backbone of NLC. Whether stepping into office for the first time or returning to continue your service, I encourage municipal officials and staff to see NLC as a partner in your leadership journey.
Thanks to the Arkansas Municipal League’s leadership, Arkansas is the only state in the country where every municipal leader has direct access to exclusive NLC member benefits, right at your fingertips.
Who we are
NLC is the oldest and largest organization representing cities, towns and villages across the United States. For over 100 years, NLC has served as the unified voice of local government in Washington, D.C., advocating for federal policies that strengthen communities and empower local leaders to deliver solutions in your hometown.
Our mission is simple yet powerful: to relentlessly advocate for and protect the interests of cities, towns and villages by influencing federal policy, strengthening local leadership and driving innovative solutions. We do this through four core pillars:
- Advocacy: Representing local governments before Congress and federal agencies.
- Education: Offering leadership training, research and professional development.
- Networking: Creating spaces for local officials to share ideas and best practices.
- Innovation: Helping communities find creative solutions to local challenges.
NLC is more than a membership organization; it’s a movement of local leaders committed to building stronger communities. Across thousands of member municipalities, our network is driven by a core value: The future of our nation depends on the strength, vision and collaboration of its cities, towns and villages.
A century of local leadership
In 2024 NLC celebrated its 100th anniversary, marking a century of local leaders coming together to shape the future of our nation. What began in 1924 as a small gathering of 10 state municipal leagues at the University of Kansas has grown into a powerful national movement representing thousands of cities, towns and villages. Over the decades, NLC has been at the forefront of key moments in our nation’s history, from rebuilding after the Great Depression and supporting the passage of the Housing Act of 1949, to advocating for federal investments in infrastructure, broadband access and housing today.
To commemorate our centennial, NLC launched the “100 Years, 100 Cities” Roadshow, visiting communities across the country to celebrate local innovation and hear directly from the leaders shaping America’s next century. Through this effort, one message rang loud and clear: Strong cities build a strong nation.
Connecting through Member Councils, Federal Advocacy Committees and Constituency Groups
One of the most impactful ways to engage with the National League of Cities is by joining one of our Member Councils, Federal Advocacy Committees or Constituency Groups. These networks provide direct access to peer learning, leadership opportunities and national policy influence, all grounded in the shared experience of local governance.
MEMBER COUNCILS
NLC’s Member Councils bring together local leaders from communities that share similar characteristics, such as population size, geography or policy priorities. These councils serve as spaces for collaboration, problem-solving and elevating the voices of cities and towns facing everyday challenges.
NLC Member Councils include:
- Small Cities Council
- Large Cities Council
- University Communities Council
- Military Communities Council
- First-Tier Suburbs Council
- Race, Equity and Leadership (REAL) Council
- Council on Youth, Education and Families
- Young Municipal Leaders (YML)
Each council meets regularly to share best practices, discuss emerging trends and advise NLC’s broader work. Participating in a Member Council helps you connect with peers who understand the unique opportunities and challenges of leading a community like yours, while also helping shape NLC’s programming.
FEDERAL ADVOCACY COMMITTEES
If you want to influence national policy, NLC’s Federal Advocacy Committees (FA) are where members turn local experience into national impact. These committees are the foundation of NLC’s federal policy process, guiding our advocacy agenda and ensuring Congress and federal agencies hear the voice of local government.
NLC’s seven Federal Advocacy Committees are:
- Community and Economic Development (CED)
- Energy, Environment and Natural Resources (EENR)
- Finance, Administration and Intergovernmental Relations (FAIR)
- Human Development (HD)
- Information Technology and Communications (ITC)
- Public Safety and Crime Prevention (PSCP)
- Transportation and Infrastructure Services (TIS)
Serving on an FA Committee allows you to collaborate with local leaders nationwide, share expertise and help shape NLC’s national positions on issues that matter most to your community. These committees offer an excellent opportunity to build leadership skills, deepen policy knowledge and strengthen your municipality’s influence in Washington, D.C.
CONSTITUENCY GROUPS
NLC’s Constituency Groups celebrate and ele
vate the diversity of local leadership. They provide spaces where members connect through shared experiences, identities and community perspectives, offering support, mentorship and a platform for advocacy.
Our six Constituency Groups are:
- Women in Municipal Government (WIMG)
- National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials (NBC-LEO)
- Hispanic Elected Local Officials (HELO)
- Asian Pacific American Municipal Officials (APAMO)
- LGBTQ+ Local Officials (LGBTQ+LO)
- Local Indigenous Leaders (LIL)
Each group hosts programming, leadership development opportunities and community-building events throughout the year, including during major NLC conferences. These groups are powerful spaces for both personal and professional growth, ensuring that your community’s voice and story are represented in NLC’s work.
Why get involved
Whether you join a Member Council, Federal Advocacy Committee or Constituency Group, engaging in these networks is one of the best ways to make the most of your NLC membership. You’ll gain access to peer mentors, amplify your city’s voice in national policy, and develop leadership skills that strengthen both your community and our collective movement for stronger local government.
As your south regional representative, I encourage you to explore one or all of these opportunities. NLC thrives because of the active participation of members like you, and together, we can ensure that local leadership continues to drive national progress.
What NLC offers our members
NLC membership opens the door to a wealth of tools, training and support designed specifically for local governments. Here are a few valuable ways we help cities succeed:
Federal advocacy that works for cities
NLC is your voice in Washington. Our federal advocacy team works year-round to ensure local priorities are represented at the national level, from securing infrastructure investments to expanding affordable housing, promoting public safety and advancing digital equity. When Congress debates legislation that impacts local governments, NLC ensures your city’s perspective is heard.
Education and professional development
Through NLC University, members gain access to leadership training, skill-building workshops and certifications focused on effective governance, finance, equity and communications. Whether you’re a new mayor learning the ropes or a seasoned council member looking to strengthen your leadership style, there’s a course or resource designed for you.
Networking and peer exchange
NLC’s greatest strength is its people. Through conferences, councils and networks, you’ll connect with peers who share similar experiences and challenges and offer solutions. You’ll find mentors, collaborators and lifelong colleagues across the country who are just as committed to public service as you are.
Resources and research you can use
Our experts produce actionable research and policy briefs that help cities navigate pressing challenges, from housing and transportation to workforce development and climate resilience. These aren’t just reports—they’re tools you can bring directly to your council meetings and planning sessions.
Opportunities to lead at the national level
Members can serve on NLC committees, policy councils and constituency groups or as part of our board of directors. These roles provide local leaders with a national platform to elevate your city’s voice and help shape the future of municipal policy. As your regional representative, I work directly with members to identify opportunities and ensure your voice is included at every table.
Why this matters for Arkansas leaders
You’re leading at a pivotal time, one filled with both challenges and opportunities for cities and towns across our state. As a member of the Arkansas Municipal League, you are already a member of the NLC. Now it’s time to make the most of your NLC membership: Take advantage of these valuable services and resources to strengthen your leadership and support your community. NLC is here to help you lead effectively, connect nationally and bring resources back home.
Start by exploring NLC University courses, joining a committee or council, and signing up for newsletters and webinars. Please reach out to me at [email protected]. My job is to help you navigate all that NLC has to offer.
Together, we lead
As we enter NLC’s second century, our commitment to local leadership has never been stronger. Cities are where change begins, and NLC exists to ensure you have the tools, connections and advocacy to make that change possible. I look forward to working with you, learning from you and celebrating your success as we continue to build stronger cities together.
