Advocacy In Action

Help strengthen America’s cities, towns and villages. Using our collective voice, we can ensure Congress and the Administration partner with local governments and make local issues a priority in federal policy.

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4,500

Grassroots Actions Taken on Cities Are Essential

Federal Budget Tracker: Fiscal Year 2025 Budget and Appropriations
Ready to Rebuild: Accessing and Maximizing Infrastructure Funds
How Hard-to-Fill Infrastructure Jobs Impact Building Our Future
Educate Congress with an NLC Primer

Federal Advocacy At-A-Glance

2025 action agenda

2025 Action Agenda

NLC has a biannual agenda mapped to the Congressional cycle to guide local advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill and with the Administration. Learn more about the issues that matter most in your community. Download the Federal Action Agenda below, or view it in our Resource Library.

2025 Presidential Actions Summary

2025 Presidential Actions Summary for Local Governments

The Trump-Vance Administration is moving swiftly to enact President Trump’s agenda through existing federal programs across all federal agencies, including those that directly support local governments with grant funding, technical assistance, and other resources. NLC is monitoring new developments and communicating with the White House, federal agencies, and Members of Congress on these issues and advocating for local governments. Stay up-to-date on available resources and actions that local governments can take as new information becomes available.

Hometown champions

Hometown Champions

Elected officials don’t always need to be on Capitol Hill to make their voices heard. When they return to their districts, they have the opportunity to connect with their communities and listen to their constituents’ views and opinions.

Policy Resources

Policy Resources

View NLC’s resource library for resources on policy priorities including infrastructure, the American Rescue Plan Act and more.

Federal advocacy committees

Federal Advocacy Committees

Comprised of local officials from NLC member cities and towns across the country, the seven Federal Advocacy Committees play a central role in developing the organization’s National Municipal Policy, which is the foundation of our advocacy efforts. Committee members, access committee resources now.

Legal Advocacy

Legal Advocacy

Recognizing that the federal court system is responsible for much of the law affecting cities and their scope of authority, a key component of the National League of Cities’ advocacy efforts is to support local government interests in cases that could impact municipal organization, operation, powers, duties or financing through amicus briefs. NLC presents or assists in presenting sound and persuasive legal arguments to the courts through appropriate cases on principles and issues important to good municipal government. Through legal advocacy, NLC serves as a more effective and aggressive advocate for legal issues of national importance to local governments. 


2025 National Municipal Policy

The National Municipal Policy (NMP) is a compilation of federal policy positions introduced, approved and adopted by the full membership of the National League of Cities. These positions focus on federal actions, programs and legislation that directly impact municipalities and guide all of NLC’s federal advocacy efforts.

Frequently Asked Questions about the National Municipal Policy

How are changes proposed?

Over the course of this year, your colleagues who serve on NLC’s Federal Advocacy Committees have been hard at work reviewing the NMP and developing recommendations for changes where needed.  

How will changes be approved?

Proposed changes (to standing policy and resolutions) will be presented during the Annual Business Meeting on Saturday, Nov. 16 during City Summit.   

Stay Updated With Our Federal Advocacy Newsletter

The Federal Advocacy Update Newsletter is your source for the latest Capitol Hill and Administration activity. Our bi-weekly newsletter provides analysis and updates on the latest federal issues affecting municipalities. Sign up today!