This year’s National League of Cities (NLC) Summer Board and Leadership Meeting (SBLM) took place in the vibrant city of Rancho Cordova, CA, from June 11-13. Hosted in the home city of NLC President, Mayor David Sander, this annual event brought together key municipal leaders from across the country to discuss pressing issues, approve the NLC budget, and finalize policy amendments. Bookended by meetings of the Hispanic Elected Local Officials (HELO) and Local Indigenous Leaders (LIL), this year’s SBLM was a testament to NLC’s commitment to diverse and inclusive governance.
Highlights from the Event
Mayor David Sander’s Opening Remarks
Mayor David Sander warmly welcomed attendees to Rancho Cordova, emphasizing the city’s unique offerings and the significance of this gathering. He spotlighted the critical issue of affordable housing, sharing the Housing Supply Accelerator Playbook, developed in collaboration with the American Planning Association. This playbook provides actionable strategies for communities to address the housing shortage, which has reached nearly four million units nationwide. Mayor Sander stressed the importance of local authority in tailoring housing solutions to meet specific community needs, urging attendees to utilize the resources available on the NLC website.
Public Safety Insights from Mayor Steve Patterson
NLC’s Second Vice President, Mayor Steve Patterson of Athens, Ohio, addressed public safety, highlighting significant reductions in crime rates over the past year. He attributed this success to collaborative, community-centered strategies that involve local officials, city departments, community organizations and residents. Patterson also highlighted NLC’s new opioid crisis dashboard, which helps local leaders effectively allocate opioid settlement funds for prevention and recovery efforts. This tool is designed to support communities in their ongoing battle against the opioid epidemic.
Federal Priorities Outlined by Mayor Victoria Woodards
NLC’s Immediate Past President, Mayor Victoria Woodards of Tacoma, Washington, discussed NLC’s current federal priorities:
- Railway Safety Act: Advocating for Congress to pass this legislation to enhance railway safety and prevent derailments.
- Stronger Workforce for America Act: Supporting workforce development to ensure residents have access to good-paying jobs.
- Clean Appropriations Bills: Urging Congress to pass spending bills without repurposing previously approved funds for local governments that are essential for local services and infrastructure.
Closing Remarks by Clarence Anthony, NLC CEO
As NLC continues to celebrate its milestone 100th anniversary, its CEO and Executive Director, Clarence Anthony, reaffirmed the organization’s dedication to supporting local leaders.
Key Takeaways
- Affordable Housing: The Housing Supply Accelerator Playbook offers a roadmap for communities to tackle housing shortages effectively.
- Public Safety: Collaborative efforts are driving down crime rates, and new tools are aiding in the fight against the opioid crisis.
- Federal Legislation: NLC is advocating for crucial federal bills to support rail safety and workforce development and protect federal dollars already allocated to local governments.
Looking Ahead
The 2024 SBLM in Rancho Cordova underscored NLC’s role in fostering collaboration among local leaders and bridging connections with federal partners. By addressing critical issues like housing, public safety, and workforce development, NLC continues to empower municipalities across the nation to create thriving, resilient communities.
Join us in Tampa Bay, FL
For more than a century, NLC has been supporting local leaders in building thriving cities, towns and villages, and we want to invite you to our biggest event yet. Register now for our 2024 City Summit conference in Tampa Bay, FL!
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