The Human Development Committee is responsible for developing policy positions and leading NLC’s advocacy on issues involving social services, children and learning, poverty and income support, employment and workforce development, equal opportunity, education, Social Security and seniors, individuals with disabilities, public health care, mental health parity, and immigration reform. Most recently, the Committee’s work has focused on workforce investment strategies to support local economies, including career and technical education and investments in training, advocating for comprehensive immigration reform including a legislative solution for Dreamers, and working to ensure that federal resources to combat the opioid epidemic make it to the local level. 

NLC’s Federal Advocacy Committee members include local elected officials and city staff from NLC member cities and towns across the country who are committed to discussing and influencing federal policy that has a direct and profound impact on local government operations. 

2025 Leadership:
  • Chair: Kim Norton, Mayor, Rochester, Minnesota 
  • Vice Chair: Michael O’Connor, Mayor, Frederick, Maryland 
  • Vice Chair: Barbara Odom-Wesley, Councilmember, Arlington, Texas 
2025 Meetings and Events
2025 National Municipal Policy

View the full 2025 National Municipal Policy book containing each of the Federal Advocacy Committee chapters and resolutions.