As our nation approaches its 250th anniversary, I recently had the privilege to convene leaders of national associations representing state and local leaders across the country. Known as the Big Seven, made up of the nonpartisan organizations that represent state and local government associations, the gathering in Oklahoma City brought together elected leaderships and my fellow chief executives to consider the role of localities and the state of federalism today.
The Big Seven consists of:
- National Governors Association (NGA)
- National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL)
- Council of State Governments (CSG)
- National League of Cities (NLC)
- U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM)
- National Association of Counties (NACo)
- International City/County Management Association (ICMA)
Convening in Oklahoma City
Hosted by NGA Chair Governor Kevin Stitt, the meeting included governors, mayors, state legislators, councilmembers at the city and county level and local government leaders.
At the center of our convening was a simple question: How do we define federalism as it is practiced today, and what does it require of each level of government now?
In Oklahoma, the answer quickly became clear: federalism is more than an abstract concept of government or a legal backstop. It is a living system that works best when federal, state and local governments exercise their shared power and civic responsibilities in coordination as partners in public service. That’s not to say there won’t be disagreements between the levels of government, but our convictions about federalism are critical for resolving such disagreements productively and moving forward in partnership. It requires expertise, mutual respect and the willingness to administer policy with a confident posture, respecting the roles and responsibilities each level of government plays.
From the beginning, the convening was grounded in history. Dr. John Dinan, a nationally recognized expert on federalism and state constitutionalism from Wake Forest University, reminded us that federalism provides tools for state and local leadership. From early engagement in policymaking to litigation, funding decisions and coalition building — states and localities have agency. Exercising it effectively requires coordination, clarity and confidence.
For NLC members, it reinforced that cities, towns and villages are not operating in a vacuum. Local governance is inseparable from national security, economic competitiveness and America’s standing in the world. It also means that our views on federalism have an outsized impact in our communities. Many of these are playing out across the country today — from preemptions and unfunded mandates to revenue-sharing and technical assistance.
What’s Next?
All Big Seven state and local government associations affirmed our commitment to using this coalition at the national level with a shared purpose, including clearer articulation of individual views and shared principles on federalism, improved information‑sharing, coordinated engagement on federal over-reach and using our collective voice on shared priorities on Capitol Hill.
For NLC, my focus remains on ensuring local leaders are heard, respected and equipped to get things done. As we mark 250 years of America, this is a time to reflect on what federalism has been, what we are doing to shape it today, and what we want it to be in the future.
America is not a finished project. What endures is the resolve of state and local leaders to keep working together, sometimes in constructive tension to make both stronger.
Prior to the convening, I shared George Washington’s Farewell Address (PDF) delivered in 1796 with attendees. As George Washington cautioned, “the spirit of encroachment tends to consolidate the powers of all the departments in one.” Two hundred and fifty years later, that warning still resonates. Federalism endures not because it is neat or easy, but because it requires constant care, mutual respect and partnership across levels of government.
As state and local leaders, our charge is clear: To show up with confidence, expertise and a shared purpose, working together to protect the balance of power that makes our democracy resilient and our communities stronger.
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