Small Cities, Big Hearts
Small cities play a significant role in shaping NLC’s initiatives, opportunities, and federal advocacy – like the much-needed federal funding many of America’s small municipalities received from the American Rescue Plan Act, better known as ARPA. That’s why each June, the National League of Cities (NLC) celebrates the contributions of small cities, towns and villages across the country and the residents who live in these communities.
Did you know? More than 80% of NLC membership is made up of small cities and municipalities.
As NLC celebrates its centennial milestone, we want to spotlight the unique stories and transformative progress of small cities, as well as the invaluable relationships they’ve cultivated with NLC. Join us in celebrating our communities with populations of 50,000 and below as part of Small Cities Month and consider engaging in at least one of four actions shared below.
4 Ways You Can Celebrate Small Cities Month
1. Share your story
Share your community’s story! Send NLC a short video highlighting what makes your small city unique and how NLC has helped to enhance your community and city leaders or positively impacted your residents.
Keep these tips in mind when submitting your video:
- Keep your video between 30 and 45 seconds.
- Call out the innovative programs and ideas the helped your residents stay connected and engaged.
- Ensure that you record horizontally to capture the video in landscape mode.
Submissions will be reviewed and selected by NLC for publishing on NLC’s social media channels.
2. Pass a proclamation
NLC has developed a sample proclamation that you can introduce to your council to help mark this month’s commemoration.
3. Join NLC’s Small Cities Council
Connect with peers from communities of similar size across the country. Learn strategies for challenges small city leaders face and explore resources available for your communities to take back to your residents.
4. Celebrate on Social Media
Share your city’s story across social platforms, and don’t forget to use our hashtag, #smallcitiesmonth, and tag @leagueofcities on X to spread the word about how our small cities, towns, and villages are thriving.
We can’t wait to hear your city’s story and celebrate the tremendous strides our small cities are making to advance our communities forward.
Questions?
For questions about Small Cities Month or to learn more about joining the Small Cities Council, drop us an email.
What Small Cities Need To Know to Access ARPA Local Relief Funds
- Michael Gleeson
Three Things that the Fed and Congress Can Do Now to Help Small Cities Reopen and Recover
From the Event: What Small Cities Need to Know about EPA’s New Lead and Copper Rule
Three Things Small Cities Teach Us About Civic Engagement
Celebrating Our Small Cities
