REAL Council

Race, Equity And Leadership (REAL) Council

The REAL Council provides guidance to member leaders on efforts that address the impact of race and equity issues in their communities. The leadership of the REAL Council offers tangible insights and opportunities to apply a racial equity lens within cities and within each NLC leadership structure.

The objective of the REAL Council is to provide a space for local elected officials to connect on building equitable communities.

REAL Council Membership Details

The REAL Council is comprised of representatives from each of NLC’s committees, councils, advisory, and constituency groups. The REAL Council meets in person at the Congressional City Conference and City Summit. There is no extra cost for NLC members to join the council.  

Interested individuals can apply for NLC’s Member Councils every fall. Learn more about the leadership nominations and applications for councils, groups, and committees below.  

NLC Councils & Committees Interest Form

Interested in joining an NLC council or committee? Get involved, expand your network, and make your voice heard through NLC Councils and Committees. While applications for NLC Councils and Committees are currently closed, you can indicate your interest in applying through this form. After submitting, an NLC team member will be in touch. You’ll also be one of the first to know when applications open in the Fall. If you need more information before making your selection, learn more at NLC.org/Councils.

Name(Required)
Please list your municipality: City, town or village
Email(Required)
Please enter your work email associated with your NLC Membership account.
Address(Required)
Please include your work city, state, and zip code.
Indicate your interest in applying for a Federal Advocacy Committee:
Please note you can only be a member of one committee at a time.

Indicate your interest in joining a Member Council:
Please verify your membership status:
Your municipality must be a dues-paying member of the National League of Cities for you to be eligible to serve on Councils and Committees. Please reach out to membership@nlc.org if you have any questions about your membership status.
Consent(Required)

Apply Now for an NLC Leadership Role

NLC is calling on dedicated elected officials to help drive innovation, lead with integrity and deliver meaningful impact in communities across the country. Serve on NLC’s Board of Directors, lead a Constituency Group or Chair a Federal Advocacy Committee or Member Council. Applications close September 29.

learn more & apply
About NLC Member Councils

NLC’s member councils bring together leaders from communities that are similar in size, type or another important characteristic. The councils provide a space for local leaders to network and exchange ideas around issues of importance to the varying types of communities.