Irma Esparza Diggs Joins National League of Cities to Lead Federal Advocacy

March 20, 2017 - (2 min read)

WASHINGTON — March 20, 2017 — The National League of Cities (NLC) welcomes Irma Esparza Diggs as senior executive and director of the organization’s federal advocacy. In her role, Diggs will assist in developing NLC’s federal policy priorities and will serve as the lead advocate of the nation’s 19,000 cities with Congress and the administration. Diggs brings more than 20 years of experience working in the public and nonprofit sectors with a focus on grassroots, campaigns and issue advocacy. NLC is the largest and most representative organization for city officials, with membership including more than 1,700 cities and 49 state municipal leagues.  

“I am excited to welcome Irma to the National League of Cities team as the leader of our federal advocacy work,” said National League of Cities (NLC) CEO and Executive Director Clarence E. Anthony. “With the upcoming budget debates and other major policy changes in Washington, cities need a strong advocate in the nation’s capital. Irma will champion our continued efforts to build strong partnerships with Congress and the administration and to advance city priorities. Irma’s unique background in grassroots and issue advocacy will build on NLC’s strong track record as the voice for the nation’s 19,000 cities.”

Diggs most recently served as chief of staff in the Department of Education’s Office of Legislation and Congressional Affairs, where she helped advance the department’s legislative priorities. Her municipal experience includes service as chief of staff to a Washington, D.C., councilmember. She also has extensive experience in local grassroots advocacy efforts, including as a political action representative for the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

“I look forward to working with the National League of Cities’ members and advocating for city priorities with Congress and the administration,” said Diggs. “Our federal advocacy work is mission critical to ensuring that our nation’s cities have the federal resources they need to move America forward. I welcome the opportunity to share the story of cities with Congress and the White House, and am looking forward to developing and supporting public policies that will make our nation stronger.”

Diggs began during NLC’s annual Congressional City Conference in Washington. The conference brought more than 2,400 city officials and delegates to Washington to build partnerships with federal officials and meet with almost 200 members of Congress and their staffs. 

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The National League of Cities (NLC) is the voice of America’s cities, towns and villages, representing more than 200 million people across the country. NLC works to strengthen local leadership, influence federal policy and drive innovative solutions. Stay connected with NLC on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.