One of the National League of Cities? fundamental objectives is to ensure a strong system of federalism by strengthening relationships among federal, state and local governments. Over the last 30 years, federal-local relations have been strained by declinig federal lsupport for municipal activities. In addition, federal laws and regulations have been enacted that impede or supersede local authority on matters that have traditionally been left to local control.

The National League of Cities works hard to ensure that Congress, the Administration, and regulatory agencies do not pass laws that preempt local authority or mandate new costs for local governments without providing adequate funds to reimburse municipalities.  Through the National League of Cities? support for 49 state municipal leagues, we also seek to strengthen state-local relations.  Recent issues of focus include the preemption of local taxing authority on internet access and imposition of unfunded mandates such as the MTBE liability waiver, as well as less-than-full funding of the No Child Left Behind Act.  

Advocacy
2006 National Municipal Policy

Programs & Services
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City Practices
City Practices describes local government programs and practices in cities and towns across the nation on a variety of topics like federal-municipal and state-municipal partnerships.
View a few sample descriptions or search the entire City Practices collection.

Upcoming Events
October 12-14, 2006:  FAIR Fall Steering Committee Meeting, San Antonio, TX

Nation's Cities Weekly Articles
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