Legislative Advocacy
NLC’s federal advocacy efforts are central to its mission to protect municipal interests, seek federal funding to support local investments, and ensure national attention is focused on the needs of cities and towns. Leadership—with input from members, Policy & Advocacy Committees, and Federal Relations staff—sets the organization’s annual legislative agenda, which helps to guide advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill.
2012 NLC Legislative Priorities
Authorize a Comprehensive Transportation Program
The time has come for Congress and the Administration to commit to crafting a new, lasting transportation plan that acknowledges local decision-making authority, collaborates with state and local governments, supports sustainable multimodal choices, invests in outcome-oriented solutions, and maintains a strong federal role.
Preserve Funds for Hometown Investment
Congress and the Administration must maintain funding for programs like the Community Development Block Grant-smart, long-term investments in our communities that serve as catalysts for financing housing, infrastructure, and economic development in America's cities and towns. More cuts will severely hamper local efforts to put people to work and spur local, regional, and national recovery.
Take Action to Protect Local Revenues
NLC urges Congress and the Administration to support legislation to allow state and local governments the flexibility to collect the taxes owed to them on remote online purchases, thereby placing brick and mortar corner stores on a level playing field with online retailers and affording consumers more choice through fair competition.
Invest in Our Nation's Youth and Workforce
The federal government cannot allow our education and job training systems to deteriorate through lack of investment. Congress and the Administration must reform and sufficiently fund both the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and the Workforce Investment Act so that local regions may develop and implement diverse, equitable, and accountable workforce systems.
