Local Governments Deliver – Get Engaged with NLC!
From October 19 through December 4, the National League of Cities is accepting applications to join Federal Advocacy Committees and Member Councils. These opportunities allow elected officials and local government staff to advocate for their communities at the national level, connect with fellow leaders from across the country and help shape the future of local government.
- Join a Federal Advocacy Committee to shape the National Municipal Policy.
- Join a Member Council to connect with cities like yours.
Local leaders can also join an NLC Constituency Group to build their networks, connect with peers who share similar experiences and interests, and celebrate the diversity of cities, towns and villages across the country.
While Constituency Group membership has a separate application that is open year-round, now is a great time to explore this opportunity and deepen your engagement with NLC.
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.
- Large Cities Council
- Military Communities Council
- Small Cities Council
- Suburban Municipalities Council
- University Communities Council
- Race, Equity and Leadership (REAL) Council
- Council on Youth, Education and Families
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 be 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 4, 2026, for council and committee membership. Applicants may apply for a constituency group at any time throughout the year.
Log in to 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 or 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 to multiple Federal Advocacy Committees and Councils, the preferences tab helps you identify your preferences and supports the NLC President in making 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 2026, you must complete a new application by December 4. 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.
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 December 4, 2026. 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, 2026
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 municipality is not a member of the NLC. Can I still become a member of a committee, council or group?
Individuals from non-member cities, towns or villages are not eligible to serve on Federal Advocacy Committees and Member Councils, as these are exclusive opportunities available to NLC member municipalities. 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.