Creating fairness, equality and opportunity can lead to a level playing field where everyone has a chance to succeed. This concept offers an operating vision for local elected officials and for the National League of Cities.
The National League of Cities is exploring how government policies at all levels have contributed to increasing inequalities in America?s cities and towns which threaten the well-being of regions and the nation. Divisions by race, class and geography have decreased access to much-needed jobs, adequate health care, affordable housing, and quality education. Through its leadership campaigns, advocacy priorities, research, publications, workshops and seminars, the National League of Cities is helping local officials create a sense of community and become trusted and reliable advocates for the well-being of all residents.
Advocacy
2006 National Municipal Policy
2006 Finance, Administration, and Intergovernmental Relations (FAIR) Policy Chapter
2006 FAIR Resolutions
Partnership for Working Toward Inclusive Communities
Join the Partnership for Working Toward Inclusive Communities!
Race Equality and Inclusive Communities Week, September 25-29, 2006
American Dream Campaign
Webcast Site
Programs & Services
Affordable Housing Program ?
Poverty Reduction Strategy ?
Municipal Action to Reduce Poverty Project ?
Racial Justice and Race Relations ?
Benefits for Working Families ?
Research & Analysis
Lessons Learned: How Communities are Addressing Racial Inequities
The American Dream in 2004: A Survey of the American People
Trends, Policies and Economic Conditions Affecting Poverty in America?s Cities and Towns: A Discussion Paper
Divided We Fall: Inequality and the Future of America?s Cities and Towns
City Practices
City Practices describes local government programs and practices in cities and towns across the nation on a variety of topics like community development, employment programs, homeownership, diversity awareness, and the digital divide. View a few sample descriptions or search the entire City Practices collection.
View a few sample descriptions or search the entire City Practices collection.
Savannah, GA ?
Dayton, OH ?
San Jose, CA ?
Burien, WA ?
Indianapolis, IN ?
Burlington, VT ?
Charlotte, NC ?
Rochester, NY ?
Kalamazoo, MI ?
Baltimore, MD ?
Nation's Cities Weekly Articles ?
5/1/06 "NLC Study Sheds New Light on Ways Cities Can Address Poverty and Equity" ?
5/8/06 "Savannah, Ga., Creates Anti-Poverty Initiative with Community-wide Support" ?
5/22/06 ?Collaboration Key to Poverty Focus in Dayton, Ohio? ?
6/5/06 "San Jos? Residents Working to Build Strong Neighborhoods" ?
6/19/06 "Burien, Wash., Leaders Embrace Diversity as a City Asset" ?
7/3/06 "Mayoral Leadership Drives Social and Economic Equity Initiatives" ?
7/17/06 "Economic, Social and Political Equity Initiatives Thrive in Burlington" ?
7/31/06 "Charlotte Partners with Business to Address Social, Economic Equity" ?
8/14/06 "Empowered Residents Key to Equity Agenda in Rochester" ?
8/30/06 "Kalamazoo Tackles Poverty on Multiple Fronts" ?
9/11/2006 "Baltimore Neighborhood Investment Strategy Paying Off" ?
Publications
- Affordable Housing Finance Resources: A Primer
- Strengthening Partnerships for Housing Opportunities: Practical Approaches to Affordable Housing Challenges
- Linking Housing and Community Services: A Housing Primer for Local Officials. (For a copy of the report, contact Bonnie Mann at (202) 626-3125 or click here to email.)
- Creating Equity and Opportunity in America's Cities and Towns (A Report from NLC's CityFutures Program)
- Inclusive Communities for All (NLC's 2005 Futures Report)
NLC Committees or Councils
Community and Economic Development (CED) Policy and Advocacy Committee
Community and Regional Development Panel
Equity and Opportunity Panel
Democratic Governance Panel