About

Who We Are

The National League of Cities (NLC) is an organization comprised of city, town and village leaders that are focused on improving the quality of life for their current and future constituents.

With more than 100 years of dedication to the strength and advancement of local governments, NLC has gained the trust and support of more than 2,700 cities across the nation. Our mission is to relentlessly advocate for, and protect the interests of, cities, towns and villages by influencing federal policy, strengthening local leadership and driving innovative solutions.

Elected Leadership

**Steve Patterson**
President
Mayor, Athens, OH

Kevin Kramer
First Vice President
Councilman, Louisville, KY

Van R. Johnson II
Second Vice President
Mayor, Savannah, GA

**David Sander**
Immediate Past President
Councilmember, Rancho Cordova, CA

View Board of Directors

Our Guiding Principles

NLC is committed to fostering a culture that values diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences.

NLC is dedicated to ensuring that our hiring practices and workplace policies provide equal access to opportunities, skill development, and merit-based advancement.

By embracing inclusion, we foster a work culture of continuous learning, innovation, creativity, and understanding, which are essential to our success in supporting cities, towns, and villages.

NLC is Inclusive. We are a nonpartisan organization and we embrace diversity of thought, perspectives and experiences.
NLC is Focused. We focus on what matters most to our member cities, towns and villages and municipalities nationwide.
NLC is Valuable. As a resource and advocate for our members, and a key partner to the state municipal leagues.
NLC is Influential. We are recognized as powerful and reliable partners and respected by federal policymakers.

NLC is Visible. We have a strong impact on our members, in Washington, D.C., and in the news.
NLC is Relationship Driven. We are dedicated to building personal connections between local leaders and between local governments and NLC staff.
NLC is Forward Leaning. With compelling engagement opportunities and cutting-edge technology, we are innovative at every turn.
NLC is Financially Solid. With a diversified revenue model that reflects the nation’s modern economy.

CEO & Executive Team

Our Senior Executive Team leads the way for NLC and helps us achieve our vision for local communities.

MEET THE TEAM

Programs

We have special program areas dedicated to supporting local leaders and their communities. Learn more about NLC’s work.

Explore

Strategic Partnerships

We are proud to partner with business leaders. Learn more about our partners and the benefits they bring to NLC members.

Learn More

NLC Institute

Our research and education affiliate provides technical assistance to cities.

ABout NLCI

Press Room

Get news and access to experts on topics affecting local municipalities.

get the latest

Jobs at NLC

Are you passionate about cities and their leaders? Check out our available opportunities!

Work at NLC

The work of the National League of Cities is ultimately about the work of mayors, council members and thousands of dedicated Americans serving and working for cities and towns across the nation.
CEO & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR CLARENCE ANTHONY

2024 NLC Annual Report

Learn more about how NLC strengthened local leadership, influenced federal policy and drove innovative solutions in 2024.

View Report (PDF)