Irma Esparza Diggs serves as the director of federal advocacy for the National League of Cities, the nation’s oldest and most representative association of municipal governments. She leads the organization’s grassroots and lobbying efforts to ensure the 1,700 member cities have a voice in Washington, D.C. She has more than 17 years of experience in public service and issue advocacy across various sectors of federal and local government.
Most recently, she served as Chief of Staff in the Office of Legislation and Congressional Affairs at the Department of Education under Secretary Arne Duncan and John King. Prior to joining President Obama’s Administration, she led the U.S. House Democratic Caucus as Executive Director. She has also served as the D.C. City Council Chief of Staff, Congressional Liaison at the Department of Commerce during President Clinton’s Administration, aide to Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson from her home state of Texas, and as a key operative for the American Federation of State and County Municipal Employees (AFSCME). During the 2006 midterm elections, she launched a national issue advocacy organization called Communities United to Strengthen America, which culminated in a 65-person team working to successfully advance victories in 10 of 11 targeted districts.
Irma earned her BA from The Catholic University of America and an MPA from American University.