As 2024 comes to an end, our team at the National League of Cities is reflecting on some of our favorite moments from the past year
And what a year it was! In 2024, we celebrated our 100th anniversary with special events throughout the country, new digital offerings, more resources for municipal governments and their leaders and so much more.
Below, explore NLC’s 10 favorite moments from 2024:
1. NLC Connected with its Roots and Gained Inspiration for the Future with the Centennial Roadshow
NLC crisscrossed the country visiting more than 130 communities as part of our Centennial Roadshow, starting in Lawrence, Kansas, where the organization was founded, thanks to the incredible support of Centennial Sponsors Wells Fargo, Enterprise Mobility, and Google. Check out our map to see all the places we visited and check out our recap video:
2. Congressional City Conference Brought NLC’s Voice to Capitol Hill
At NLC’s 2024 Congressional City Conference (CCC), more than 3,000 local leaders gathered in Washington, DC to learn, network and advocate for local priorities.
At the inspiring event packed with connections and advocacy insights, highlights included President Joe Biden touting the impactful partnership between his administration and local leaders; more than two dozen federal agencies offering one-on-one meetings and roundtable discussion; and 1,000+ local leaders and advocates heading to Capitol Hill to uplift the voice of their communities.
3. National Cities, Towns & Villages Month
More than 100 municipalities joined in passing proclamations declaring May the first annual National Cities, Towns & Villages Month. Bells tolled across the country on May 22 in recognition of 100 years of NLC!
4. Communities Pledged to Make their Communities More Sustainable with the Recycle Right Pledge
More than 120 cities, towns and villages across 30 states took the Recycle Right Pledge to encourage proper recycling practices at the local level in partnership with Friend of the Centennial, WM (formerly Waste Management).
Download the Recycle Right Toolkit to explore practices for your community.
5. Centennial City Summit Inspires Attendees to Connect, Learn and Lead
In November, the host City of Tampa welcomed more than 4,000 attendees to our Centennial City Summit, where NLC marked its milestone 100 years strengthening cities, towns and villages.
From dynamic keynote speakers to stimulating workshops to the Centennial Celebration and beyond, this year’s City Summit was an unforgettable experience.
6. Youth Create! Challenge Engages Youth in Envisioning the Future of Local Government
NLC distributed more than $25,000 to nine youth and two youth councils from across the country who explored the question: “How are youth shaping the next 100 years of our cities?”
The contest winners celebrated at NLC’s Centennial City Summit in Tampa, Florida. With future leaders like these, America’s cities are in good hands!
7. Centennial Under 40 Impact Award Honors Young Municipal Leaders Shaping the Future of Local Government
To celebrate our centennial, we honored young municipal leaders with the Centennial Under 40 Impact Award. The award recognizes and celebrates the achievements of elected officials under the age of 40 from our member cities, towns and villages.
These dynamic leaders are shaping the future of local governance, demonstrating excellence through impactful initiatives and fostering positive change in their communities.
8. NLC100.org Showcases an Epic Centennial Celebration
NLC100.org showcased activities surrounding the centennial milestone, including a comprehensive timeline of NLC’s history. View the site to explore 100 years of NLC leadership, hear from former presidents on how NLC shaped their careers and discover stories from NLC staff on how they’re inspired by their work with cities, towns and villages, and the resources NLC developed in honor of NLC’s 100th Anniversary.
9. Three Things to Know Brings Monthly Insights to NLC Leaders
This year, we launched our Three Things to Know video series! Each month, the NLC team provides a recap of three things leaders need to know about how NLC is advancing its mission to relentlessly advocate for cities, towns and villages. 2024 videos can be viewed on NLC.org — make sure to catch future installments on our social media channels!
10. The Centennial Celebration Culminates on December 12, the Date of NLC’s First Meeting
As NLC closed out its year of celebration, we marked Dec. 12, the date when 10 state leagues came together in Lawrence, KS to form what is now known as the NLC. NLC invited local leaders to commemorate this milestone moment with us by sharing special editable social media graphics. Haven’t joined the fun yet? It’s not too late! Please download the graphics, share them on social and don’t forget to tag NLC!
See You in 2025!
Registration is open for NLC’s Congressional City Conference (CCC) from March 10-12. Be sure to also save the date for City Summit 2025 in Salt Lake City, Utah from Nov. 19-22.
About the Author
NLC’s Journey to 100: Reflecting on the Centennial Roadshow
- Clarence E. Anthony
December 12 Marks 100 Years Since NLC’s First Meeting: Celebrate with Us!
8 Ways City Summit 2024 Celebrated 100 Years of Strengthening Cities
- Jeremy Grossman
National League of Cities Roadshow Visits More than 100 Cities; Heads to Tampa Bay for Centennial City Summit
Growing Small Towns: Why Local Leaders Should Join NLC’s Small Cities Council
- Ebone Clifton
Addressing Common Recycling Challenges Through the Recycle Right Campaign
- Carolyn Berndt