In response to the federal government shutdown that began on Wednesday, Oct. 1, the National League of Cities (NLC) President Mayor Steve Patterson of Athens, Ohio, issued the following statement:
“Now that the federal shutdown is a reality, uncertainty is growing. Cities, towns and villages across the country are bracing for what this means for their communities. Localities with significant numbers of federal employees are staring down the potential for lost income, delayed services, and ripple effects across local economies. Outside of these more immediate impacts, local governments face interruptions in federal agency coordination, delays in crucial grant funding, and overall uncertainty for a wide range of community programs. What we need from our federal partners right now is certainty: a clear path forward that supports our local economies. Fear of the unknown has the potential to stall progress. We recognize the serious budget concerns outlined by both parties in their current Congressional debate; we urge Members of Congress to prioritize consensus and work quickly toward a bipartisan compromise that restores stability for the nation’s cities, towns and villages.”
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The National League of Cities (NLC) is the voice of America’s cities, towns and villages, representing more than 200 million people across the country. NLC works to strengthen local leadership, influence federal policy and drive innovative solutions. Stay connected with NLC on Facebook, X, LinkedIn and Instagram.