Engage More. Achieve More.
Applications to join NLC Member Councils and Federal Advocacy Committees open on October 14, 2025!
The application for Constituency Group membership is a separate application that is open year-round.
Each group gives elected officials a space to engage with people facing similar challenges in an ever-changing world, and advocate for the needs of their community at the national level.
- Join a Federal Advocacy Committee and shape National Municipal Policy
- Join a Member Council and connect with cities like yours
- Join a Constituency Group to build your network and celebrate diversity in cities towns and villages
NLC is accepting membership applications for the following groups:
Federal Advocacy Committees
- Community & Economic Development
- Energy, Environment & Natural Resources
- Finance, Administration & Intergovernmental Relations
- Human Development
- Information Technology & Communications
- Public Safety & Crime Prevention
- Transportation & Infrastructure Services
Ready to join a Federal Advocacy Committee? Start your application. Current committee members MUST reapply.
Member Councils
Our member councils provide a networking space for interacting with other local elected officials whose communities are similar.
- First Tier Suburbs Council
- Large Cities Council
- Military Communities Council
- Small Cities Council
- University Communities Council
- Council on Youth, Education, and Families
- Race, Equity and Leadership (REAL) Council
Ready to join a Member Council? Start your application. Current council members MUST reapply.
Constituency Groups
- Asian Pacific American Municipal Officials (APAMO)
- Hispanic Elected Local Officials (HELO)
- LGBTQ+ Local Officials (LGBTQ+LO)
- Local Indigenous Leaders (LIL)
- National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials (NBC-LEO)
- Women in Municipal Government (WIMG)
Ready to join a Constituency Group? Start your application. Applications are open all year round. Current Constituency Group members do NOT need to reapply.
Applicants can apply for membership in up to three committees, councils or groups.
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 form electronically by December 2, 2025 (for committees and council).
Log into MyNLC on a desktop computer to start your application now.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many committees or councils can I join as a member?
This application allows you to apply for membership in up to three committees, councils. 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, please reach out to membership@nlc.org for further assistance.
What are the preferences?
When applying for multiple Federal Advocacy Committees and Councils, the preferences tab serves as a tool to identify your preferences and help the NLC President make their appointments.
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 also have to apply for membership in that committee, council or group?
No. If you’ve applied for a leadership position within a specific committee, council, or group but are not selected, your application will also be considered for membership. I
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/or committee. What should I expect next? The NLC President will review the applications for all members who applied for councils and committees. We anticipate that NLC staff will notify members of their status during the week of December 15, 2025.
I am a city employee and my city is an NLC member city. Can I apply to a committee, council or group?
Yes. City employees can apply to 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.
Not an NLC Member City? Join NLC Today!
Click the “Join Now” button and fill out the embedded form on the page to start the application process.