Join the National League of Cities (NLC) as we release our 13th annual State of the Cities report focused on the top priorities identified by mayors and chief elected officials.
Governments have multiple responsibilities and a limited budget. The State of the Cities report analyzes the social context and economic development of cities, towns and villages; highlights the main priorities for the current year, as stated by their leaders; and examines how these align with their residents’ priorities.
Hear from local leaders and NLC experts how local communities are addressing their challenges, responding to resident needs and building thriving communities.
Speakers
Mayor Kim Norton, Rochester, Minn.
Kim Norton became the first woman Mayor of Rochester, Minnesota and took office on January 8, 2019. Prior to her election as Mayor, Kim won a Bush Fellowship which allowed her to complete a master’s degree and
certificate of Leadership in Public Policy at the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey School of Public Affairs and experiential learning focused on leadership and energy policy. Kim served in the Minnesota House of Representatives for 10 years. During her tenure as a legislator, Kim introduced and helped pass many pieces of significant legislation, including the Destination Medical Center (DMC) economic development project, Primary Seat Belt and many other health related bills aimed a positioning Rochester and Minnesota as a premier location for healthcare.
Kim participated in the Women in Power and Senior Executives in State and Local Government executive education program at Harvard University’s Kennedy School earning an Executive Leadership in Public Policy certificate.
Mayor Bobby Scott, Center Point, Ala.
Mayor Bobby Scott has served as Mayor of Center Point since 2020, following four years on the City Council. A dedicated public servant with a background in software engineering, he brings more than 17 years of private-sector experience combined with a lifelong commitment to community service. Under his leadership, Center Point has strengthened public safety initiatives, expanded youth and senior services, enhanced local schools, and advanced major beautification and infrastructure projects—including securing grant funding for sidewalks and safe pedestrian routes.
Mayor Scott is recognized statewide and nationally, earning distinctions such as Mayor of the Year from the Alabama League of Municipalities and leading roles within the National League of Cities. He currently serves as President of NBC-LEO, Vice President for the MPO Policy Committee, and Vice Chair of NLC’s Information Technology and Communications Committee.
Born and raised in Newbern, Alabama, Mayor Scott attributes his service-centered leadership to his family, faith, and small-town roots. Known for being accessible and hands-on, he remains committed to “Building Community One Step at a Time” and ensuring that every resident feels heard, supported, and represented.