The CityFutures Program consists of a program of engagement, analysis, outreach and impact on the trends and changes affecting America's cities now and in the future.  The program seeks to connect public and policy discussions to the reality of what is happening in America's cities.  The program was undertaken with the belief that significant economic, demographic and other changes are transforming the contexts in which municipal governments function.  The Program has three objectives:

1)   To help municipal officials recognize, understand and meet the emerging trends and challenges their communities face;

2)   To foster and shape public discussion and policy debate aimed at developing the arrangements needed to meet these challenges; and

3)   To help shape NLC activities and programs to reflect members' concerns, interests and objectives.

In essence, the program seeks to strengthen government by providing new perspectives on public issues and by challenging current assumptions. 

The program is carried out primarily through NLC's Advisory Council and four CityFutures Panels. 

Advisory Council

The National League of Cities Advisory Council is composed of municipal officials who have served a term on the NLC Board of Directors and who continue to serve in elected office.  The local elected officials who make up the Advisory Council play an instrumental rule in guiding NLC's efforts.

Advisory Council Members are responsible for (along with the CityFutures Panels) the NLC CityFutures Program. The Advisory Council's primary responsibility is to conduct assessments of trends and changes occurring in the nation's cities and towns.  In addition, the Advisory Council members carry out individual roles supporting NLC's goals in advocacy, communications, membership.

The Advisory Council convenes at least three times a year.  During NLC's two annual conferences (the Congress of Cities and the Congressional City Conference), the Advisory Council meets to discuss and chart new progress regarding the agenda.  A third meeting is held in early summer.

CityFutures Panels
The Program also consists of four panels of local officials from cities and towns of varying size, location, and demographic composition.  The Panels investigate issues confronting municipalities in specific policy and topical arenas, with a particular focus on trends, factors and strategies.  Each panel meets at NLC's two annual conferences and occasionally mid-year.  The Panels are described below: