Leading Through Uncertainty: Innovation, Integrity, Impact
In times of rapid change and uncertainty, local leaders are essential in guiding our communities forward. As cities, towns and villages continue to face evolving challenges, the National League of Cities (NLC) is calling on dedicated leaders to step up, lead with NLC and help drive innovation, lead with integrity and deliver meaningful impact in communities across the country.
Available leadership opportunities include:
- Serving on NLC’s Board of Directors
- Chairing a Federal Advocacy Committee
- Leading a Member Council or Constituency Group
NLC leaders represent their respective communities and play a vital role in shaping the future of local government nationwide. They contribute to the advancement of cities, towns and villages everywhere, helping communities thrive amidst uncertainty and beyond. We invite you to take on this vital role and join us in leading the charge.
Explore positions below and apply today to bring your voice, vision and leadership to the national stage.
Leadership Positions
Applicants must be an elected official from an NLC direct member city to apply. You can apply for up to three different groups during the application period: August 11 – September 29, 2025.
Board of Directors
Serving on the NLC Board is a rewarding and empowering opportunity for municipal leaders. It provides an exceptional platform to utilize your expertise and broaden your leadership to impact the service of cities, towns and villages at the national level.
Note: If you are applying for an NLC Officer or Board member position, you must submit your application AND video presentation in an MP4 file format by the September 29 deadline. Board member videos must be no longer than 2 minutes in length and officer videos must be no longer than 3 minutes. The video submission link is listed in the leadership application.
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
Member Councils
- 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
Constituency Groups
- Asian Pacific American Municipal Officials (APAMO)
- Hispanic Elected Local Officials (HELO)
- LGBTQ+ Local Officials (LGBTQ+LO)
- National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials (NBC-LEO)
- Women in Municipal Government (WIMG)
- Local Indigenous Leaders (LIL)
Eligibility
To be considered for a leadership position, applicants must:
- Be an elected official from a direct NLC member city.
- Ensure all membership dues and applicable activity fees are up to date / paid in full at the time of application.
How To Apply
For the best experience, we recommend completing the application on a laptop or desktop computer.
- Log in to your MyNLC account and update your member profile, including your contact information, professional resume, biography and areas of expertise and interests. Note that the MyNLC account must belong to the applicant.
- Select the Applications tab and start your Leadership Application 2026.
- Explore available positions of interest on NLC’s Board, Committees, Councils or Constituency Groups. Applicants may apply to up to three different groups.
- Complete and submit the electronic application form by September 29, 2025.
Note: If you are applying for an NLC Board Officer or Board member position, you must submit your application AND video presentation in an MP4 file format by the September 29 deadline. Board member videos must be no longer than 2 minutes in length and officer videos must be no longer than 3 minutes. The video submission link is listed in the leadership application.
Need Assistance?
For questions or assistance accessing your MyNLC account, please contact NLC Membership.