Councils, Groups & Committees Membership Applications

Eligibility

To serve as a member of an NLC council, committee or constituency group, the applicant must:

• Be from an NLC direct or affiliate member city.
• Have active dues that are up-to-date and paid in full at the time of application.
• Submit an application electronically during the application period (TBA).

Not sure of your municipality’s membership status? Please contact NLC membership for verification at membership@nlc.org.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many committees, councils or groups can I join as a member?   

This application allows you to apply for membership in up to three committees, councils, or groups. It’s important to note that you can only be a member of one Federal Advocacy Committee. If you would like to join additional Member Councils or Constituency Groups, please reach out to membership@nlc.org for further assistance. 

What are the preferences?   

When applying for multiple Federal Advocacy Committees, the preferences tab serves as a tool to help the NLC President make their appointments. While the preferences tab is typically not as critical for Member Councils or Constituency Groups, it is still a required part of the application process.  

Do I have to reapply if I am already a member of a specific committee, council or group this year?   

Membership in Federal Advocacy Committees and Member Councils is valid for one calendar year. If you would like to continue your membership in a current committee or council for 2025, you must complete a new application by the November 25 deadline. Constituency Group memberships remain in effect as long as you hold a local office position, and your city maintains its NLC membership.  

I applied for a leadership position, do I have to apply for membership in that committee, council, or group too?   

No. If you’ve applied for a leadership position within a specific committee, council, or group, your application will also be considered for membership. If you applied for a leadership role but are not selected, you will automatically transition into a member role in December 2025.  

When is the deadline to apply for membership in a committee, council, or group?  

The deadline to join a Federal Advocacy Committee and Member Council is November 25, 2024. Constituency Group applications will remain open year-round.    

I’ve submitted my application to join a council and committee. What should I expect next? 

The NLC President will review and approve all members who applied for councils and committees. We anticipate that NLC staff will notify members of their status during the week of December 11, 2024.    

I am a city staffer and my city is an NLC member city, can I join a committee, council, or group?   

Yes. City staffers can apply to join Federal Advocacy Committees and Member Councils. They can also join Constituency Groups but will be a non-voting Associate Member.    

My city is not a member of the NLC. Can I still become a member of a committee, council, or group? 

Individuals from non-member cities are not eligible to join Federal Advocacy Committees and Member Councils, as these are exclusive opportunities available to NLC member cities. However, you can still participate in a Constituency Group as a “Supporting Member,” which requires an annual fee of $75. For additional details, please contact constituencygroups@nlc.org.