NLC 100th Anniversary is Recognized through Bipartisan, Bicameral Resolution

March 11, 2024 - (3 min read)

NLC 100th Anniversary

On Wednesday, March 8^th, U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-MN), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Todd Young (R-IN) introduced a resolution honoring the 100^th anniversary of the National League of Cities. In the House, the resolution was sponsored by the co-chairs of the Former Local Elected Leaders Caucus, Rep. Kay Granger (R-TX), former mayor Fort Worth and Rep. Greg Stanton (D-AZ), former mayor of Phoenix.

Members of the House and Senate recognized NLC’s historic role in strengthening local leadership and supporting federal-local partnerships, advocating for 19,000 cities, towns, and villages and more than 218,000,000 residents.

“I always say that the best ideas come from those closest to the work, and local governments exemplify that best,” said Senator Smith. “As former Chief of Staff to the Mayor of Minneapolis, I know firsthand how important local government is to the functioning of our nation.”

Senator Tillis, who also served in local government, emphasized the vital role that local government plays in improving people’s quality of life. “I am proud to co-lead this resolution honoring the 100-year anniversary of the National League of Cities, and to recognize their work to support municipal officials in North Carolina and the rest of the country.”

“Through my experience serving in the local government of Newark, first as a city councilman and then as mayor, I’ve witnessed the invaluable contributions municipalities make to our nation’s fabric,” said Senator Booker. “Local governments and leaders play a pivotal role in shaping our communities, and the work they do often has the most direct impact on people’s everyday lives.”

“I’m proud to join this resolution honoring the 100th anniversary of the National League of Cities, and I am grateful for their support of local leaders in Indiana and throughout the United States,” said Senator Young.

Clarence Anthony, President and CEO of National League of Cities, emphasized the importance of this resolution and recognized the people behind the work. “Over the past 100 years, the National League of Cities has served as a relentless advocate for the nation’s cities, towns, and villages in our nation’s capital, and has played a historic role in shaping some of the country’s most significant pieces of public policy. As we celebrate our 100th anniversary, we recognize the elected officials, state municipal leagues, and other leaders who have helped shape NLC and are grateful for the strong partnerships we have built with federal leadership.”

The National League of Cities was founded in 1924 as a way for state municipalities to seek national representation, and it currently works with 49 state leagues across the country to strengthen local leadership and lobby for federal policies that impact cities.