The National League of Cities (NLC) is an advocacy organization in the United States that represents the country's 19,495 cities, towns, and villages along with 49 state municipal leagues. Created in 1924, it has evolved into a leading membership organization providing education, research, support, and advocacy to city leaders across America. Based in Washington, D.C., it is considered part of the 'Big Seven', a group of organizations that represent local and state government in the United States. The NLC provides training and other resources to municipal officials, holds conferences, and advocates to the federal government on behalf of cities, towns and villages.
NLC was first founded as the American Municipal Association in Lawrence, Kansas by a group of ten state municipal leagues seeking greater coordination and representation in national affairs. In 1947, the organization opened its membership to individual cities with populations of 100,000 or more. That membership threshold was gradually moved downward, and in 1964, to signal the organization's growing emphasis on cities as members, the American Municipal Association changed its name to the National League of Cities. By 1977, the population requirement was eliminated.
Today, NLC represents nearly 2,800 member cities as a convening organization, support network, and representative in federal affairs. Leading priorities for the group include the economy, infrastructure, public safety, technology, education, and families.
History
The National League of Cities was founded in 1924 when 10 state municipal leagues banded together as the American Municipal Association. Over time, the organization's membership expanded to include individual cities of all sizes.
Throughout its history, NLC has played a prominent role in shaping federal urban policy and defining city issues in America. It was at a 1970 convention that William Ruckelshaus, Administrator of the newly created Environmental Protection Agency, announced an order requiring Cleveland, Detroit, and Atlanta to clean up their inadequately treated sewage discharges into rivers, thereby helping send a message that the young agency meant business.
Activities
Federal advocacy
NLC lobbies Congress on multiple issues that directly impact municipalities, including municipal infrastructure, particularly transportation; supporting local energy efficiency and conservation efforts; strengthening and stabilizing the housing market; providing services to support the health and stability of families; and supporting community safety. NLC's core lobbying principles include avoiding unfunded mandates, preserving local authority and protecting the intergovernmental partnership.
Congressional Caucus of Former Local Elected Officials
NLC and the National Association of Counties (NACo) formed the Congressional Caucus of Former Local Elected Officials in 2021. The bipartisan caucus brings together members of Congress with prior service in local government to improve intergovernmental partnerships, provide up-to-date information about mutual policy interests to members of Congress and their staffs, and ensure the local government voice is heard in federal decision-making.
Conferences
NLC hosts the annual City Summit conference in a different city held annually in November at which municipal officials participate in workshops, general sessions, networking opportunities and leadership training seminars. NLC's other yearly conference is the Congressional City Conference, held annually in March in Washington, D.C. Thousands of municipal officials discuss NLC’s legislative priorities with Members of Congress and the Administration, share promising practices, discuss policy and participate in leadership training opportunities.
Programs
Center of Municipal Practice
NLC's Center for Municipal Practice is dedicated to addressing key challenges faced by our member municipalities and cities across the country. These challenges include various critical areas, including housing, public safety and justice, transportation, infrastructure, racial equity, sustainability, economic development, emerging technologies, and more. The center offers technical assistance, educational resources, peer learning and grant opportunities, and innovative ideas that empower local leaders to build and sustain vibrant communities.
The Center for Leadership, Education, Advancement & Development (LEAD)