175+ Cities Declare May “National Cities, Towns and Villages Month”

May 22, 2024 - (5 min read)

Washington D.C. – In celebration of the contributions from local governments across the nation and the National League of Cities’ historic 100th anniversary, hundreds of municipalities throughout the U.S. have officially declared May “National Cities, Towns and Villages Month.” As noted in many of the proclamations, “local governments are the bedrock of American democracy, providing 336 million residents with the most accountable, responsive, inclusive, ethical, and transparent government in the world.”

During this month-long observance, communities are encouraged to reflect on their rich heritage, celebrate their achievements, and embrace opportunities for growth and collaboration. Through various events, initiatives, and community engagements, “National Cities, Towns, and Villages Month” aims to foster civic pride and promote local stewardship.

“Local governments are the backbone of our nation, serving as leaders of innovation, progress, and inclusivity,” said Clarence E. Anthony, CEO and Executive Director of the National League of Cities. “National Cities, Towns, and Villages Month provides an opportunity to recognize the tireless efforts of mayors, council members, and municipal staff in enhancing the quality of life for residents nationwide.” 

Thank you to the more than 175 cities, towns and villages listed below that have already signed up to issue a proclamation!

NLC is also partnering with the National Bell Festival to ring bells throughout the country on May 22. While communities are encouraged to ring bells any time throughout the day, NLC will be leading the ringing in Washington, DC, at 1:00 (or “100”) PM Eastern with ten tolls, one for each decade of NLC’s history.

Kachemak, AK

Hayden, AL

Montgomery, AL

Tarrant, AL

Orange Beach, AL

Bentonville, AR

City of Huntsville, AR

Fort Smith, AR

Hot Springs, AR

Jasper, AR

West Memphis, AR

Dumas, AR

Mulberry, AR

City of Chandler, AZ

City of Mesa, AZ

Goodyear, AZ

Tempe, AZ

City of Mission Viejo, CA

City of Rancho Cordova, CA

Benicia, CA

Campbell, CA

Fontana, CA

La Quinta, CA

El Centro, CA

Grass Valley, CA

Murrieta, CA

Thornton, CO

City of Hartford, CT

City of Bridgeport, CT

Wilmington, DE

Boca Raton, FL

City of Cocoa, FL

City of Hollywood, FL

City of Miramar, FL

City of Palatka, FL

City of Springfield, FL

City of Tamarac, FL

City of West Park, FL

City of Panama City Beach, FL

City of Sarasota, FL

Arcadia, FL

Coral Springs, FL

Gainesville, FL

North Miami Beach, FL

Sanibel, FL

South Bay, FL

Tallahassee, FL

Tampa, FL

Brunswick, GA

City of Jonesboro, GA

City of Pooler, GA

City of Sugar Hill, GA

Fairburn, GA

Lovejoy, GA

Mableton, GA

Midway, GA

Palmetto, GA

Pembroke, GA

Port Wentworth, GA

Santa Claus, GA

Savannah, GA

Union City, GA

Bettendorf, IA

Dubuque, IA

City of Chubbuck, ID

Maywood, IL

Village of Hazel Crest, IL

Sesser, IL

Village of Kildeer, IL

Lenexa, KS

Mission, KS

Roeland Park, KS

Lawrence, KS

City of Westwood Hills, KS

Elkton, KY

Baton Rouge, LA

City of Gretna, LA

Shreveport, LA

Village of Athens, LA

Falmouth, MA

City of Greenbelt, MD

District Heights, MD

Frederick, MD

Galena, MD

Hagerstown, MD

New Carrollton, MD

Seat Pleasant, MD

City of Sterling Heights, MI

City of Portage, MI

City of Fenton, MI

Lansing, MI

Rochester Hills, MI

Village of Wolverine Lake, MI

City of Mankato, MN

St. Michael, MN

Bowling Green, MO

Kansas City, MO

St. Louis, MO

St. Peters, MO

Webster Groves, MO

City of Gautier, MS

Jackson, MS

Helena, MT

Caswell Beach, NC

City of Lenoir, NC

Henderson, NC

Gastonia, NC

Morrisville, NC

Salisbury, NC

Stem, NC

Town of Ahoskie, NC

Town of Butner, NC

Town of Harrisburg, NC

Town of Hope Mills, NC

Town of Navassa, NC

Omaha, NE

New Ipswich, NH

New Boston, NH

City of Newark, NJ

East Orange, NJ

Cloudcroft, NM

Española, NM

Sunland Park, NM

Village of Corrales, NM

Village of Questa, NM

Sparks, NV

Village of Geneseo, NY

City of Columbus, OH

City of Oxford, OH

Gambier, OH

North Olmsted, OH

Richmond Heights, OH

Toledo, OH

University Heights, OH

Village of Woodmere, OH

Westlake, OH

Durant, OK

Bay City, OR

City of Lebanon, PA

Pittston, PA

Abbeville, SC

Batesburg Leesville, SC

Hartsville, SC

Walterboro, SC

Arlington, TX

Austin, TX

Beaumont, TX

City of Alice, TX

City of Harlingen, TX

City of Hurst, TX

City of La Marque, TX

City of Madisonville, TX

City of Missouri City, TX

City of Selma, TX

Glenn Heights, TX

Irving, TX

Lucas, TX

Port Arthur, TX

Waco, TX

Clearfield City, UT

Boones Mill, VA

City of Fairfax, VA

City of Harrisonburg, VA

Emporia, VA

Purcellville, VA

Farmville, VA

Town of Dumfries, VA

La Center, WA

Shoreline, WA

Oak Harbor, WA

Grafton, WI

City of Fitchburg, WI

Fairmont, WV

Logan, WV

New Martinsville, WV

To learn more about National Cities, Towns, and Villages Month and NLC’s 100th anniversary, visit nlc100.org. To view a specific proclamation, please email media@nlc.org.

###

The National League of Cities (NLC) the voice of America’s cities, towns and villages, representing more than 200 million people. NLC works to strengthen local leadership, influence federal policy and drive innovative solutions. Stay connected with NLC on FacebookXLinkedIn and Instagram.