NLC’s Centennial City Summit in Tampa Bay, Florida was an incredible celebration of the past, present and future, reflecting on its last century of advocacy and looking toward its future goals and promises. Four thousand attendees from all 50 states, including Puerto Rico and DC, gathered November 13-16 to learn best practices, connect with fellow local leaders and leave inspired with new ideas to support their residents.
The conference emphasized the theme of resilience, a particularly powerful message as the conference took place only a few weeks after Tampa was struck by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
While the conference was packed with incredible moments, below are just eight of the top highlights from City Summit 2024:
1. Keynote Speakers Sparked Engagement and New Insights
A powerful collection of General Session keynote speakers shared unique perspectives through engaging storytelling.
Jennie Taylor, Gold Star Widow and Executive Director of the Major Brent Taylor Foundation, shared the story of how her husband was tragically killed in action in Afghanistan in 2018 while on a leave of absence from his role as mayor of North Ogden, Utah. In her presentation, Taylor emphasized the importance of municipal leaders caring for each other – from caring for their residents, to caring for their council members and their city employees.
Crystal Washington, AI specialist, futurist and author, discussed the expansion of artificial intelligence – including its possibilities and pitfalls in the role of government. For those who may be overwhelmed at the growing technology, Washington advised:
“Don’t try to be caught up. Instead, adopt a culture of curiosity.”
Olympic gold medalist Lindsey Vonn closed out the final general session, only days after she announced the end of her retirement and a return to the U.S. Ski Team! In her presentation, Vonn discussed the importance of maintaining positivity even when overwhelmed with life’s obstacles.
2. Soledad O’Brien Told the Story of City Summit and the Centennial throughout the Conference
Emmy-winning broadcast journalist Soledad O’Brien “anchored” all four days of general session programming, including moderating sessions, welcoming speakers and sharing NLC’s story.
NLC CEO and Executive Director Clarence Anthony also sat with O’Brien for an episode of her Sunday morning syndicated political show, “Matter of Fact with Soledad O’Brien,” to discuss how city leaders are supporting each other and the unique challenges that local leaders face.
Watch the conversation below:
3. Mobile Tours & Workshops Offered Immersive and Dynamic Learning Opportunities
Attendees received free mobile tours and workshops led by the City of Tampa. These sessions allowed guests to fully immerse themselves in the host city, while also experiencing first-hand the major economic development and future projects transforming Tampa.
Just a few of the offerings included:
- “Port Tampa Bay by Water,” a behind-the-scenes tour of Florida’s largest port from the perspectives of infrastructure, logistics and security
- “Champa Bay,” an inside look at how the Tampa Sports Authority and the Tampa Bay Sports Commission manage facilities, bid for sporting events and keep drawing events to Bay Area venues.
- “Supporting People Experiencing Homelessness,” an exploration of Tampa Hope, created by the city to support those experiencing homelessness by offering temporary housing and wraparound services.
- “Tampa Riverwalk,” a visit along Tampa’s beautiful riverwalk, where attendees learned how Tampa has developed P3s to activate and promote Tampa’s waterfront creating an inviting outdoor destination showcasing downtown parks, museums, attractions and businesses through outdoor public events and programming.
4. Technical Assistance Showcase & Fair Highlights NLC’s Unique Expertise
Attendees explored NLC’s robust research and technical assistance programs at our Technical Assistance Showcase. The showcase culminated in a fair at the end of the week, where attendees had the opportunity to meet directly with NLC experts to learn more about NLC’s free technical assistance opportunities and how they could bring those services and resources to their residents and communities.
5. New NLC Leadership Kicked off the 101st Year of the National League of Cities
At the Annual Business Meeting, NLC members voted in new leadership, with Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, elected as the new president of NLC. Mayor Steve Patterson of Athens, Ohio, elected to serve as NLC’s First Vice President, and Councilmember Kevin Kramer of Louisville, Kentucky elected Second Vice President.
See the full list of our new 2025 leadership here.
6. Expo Hall & Future of Cities Exhibit Showcased the Latest Trends and Ideas for Local Leaders
Our Expo Hall brought attendees the latest products, services and ideas, direct from companies, consultants and specialists dedicated to partnering with cities, towns and villages to support their communities.
This year’s exhibit hall featured a special commemorative exhibit celebrating NLC’s 100th anniversary. This immersive timeline toured the past century of cities, towns and villages from 1924 to 2024. After advancing through the exhibit to the present day, attendees were invited to browse the Future of Cities section of the Expo Hall, featuring the latest innovations and technologies to help local leaders shape the future of their municipalities.
7. Youth Program Educates and Inspires the Next Generation of Local Leaders
We loved seeing the future leaders of America be inspired and learn valuable insights at our conference!
The week consisted of several sessions for our youth delegates, with topics such as “Immersing Youth into Discourse,” “The Power of Fostering Dialogue” and “Cities Tackling Disasters.” As NLC embarks on its second hundred years the future is bright with the next generation of passionate local leaders.
8. The Centennial Celebration Invited Attendees to Share in the Joy of an Incredible Milestone
This year, NLC turned 100 years old, and yet we’re looking better than ever!
The entire week was a celebration of NLC’s impactful legacy and exciting future, culminating in a Centennial Celebration on Saturday night. In addition to music, dancing and dessert, the event included some surprises including fireworks over the waterfront, a marching band, performers, a giant building projection and an incredible concert by The Temptations.
Thank you to all who joined us at City Summit 2024 and a huge thank you to our host city, Tampa Bay, Florida, including Mayor Jane Castor and all the city staff who helped make the event a huge success! Be sure to register now for Congressional City Conference in Washington, D.C. from March 10-12, and save the date for City Summit 2025 in Salt Lake City, Utah from Nov. 19-22.
More Photos from City Summit 2024
See more pictures from the week of Centennial City Summit in Tampa Bay, Florida!
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