25 Years of Impact

The National League of Cities Institute (NLCI) is the research and education affiliate of NLC. NLCI provides research and technical assistance to cities, helping municipal leaders work more effectively on behalf of children, youth, families, and other community stakeholders. The organization is committed to building more inclusive communities and improving health, equity, and wellbeing for all.

NLCI’s mission is to equip locally elected officials with knowledge, tools, and techniques to enhance their ability to govern effectively in their communities.

Hover over each number to learn more about the scope of NLCI’s impact on municipalities across the country:

25 Years of Impact

25 years ago, Mayor Thomas M. Menino of Boston stepped to the podium at NLC’s Congress of Cities – what we now call City Summit – and announced the formal launch of NLC’s Institute for Youth, Education, and Families. This new arm of NLC was designed to help cities find new ways for their most vulnerable residents to thrive. What began with just three staff members has grown to be NLC’s largest division, with more than 40 employees working across the country every day to support local leaders.

Technical Assistance Programs

The bubble map below displays the cities and other governmental organizations with which the National League of Cities has engaged through its Technical Assistance Programs between 2000 and 2025.

Click on the arrow under the ‘Program Name Filter’ to filter by program in the map.