Raleigh, N.C. — City leaders from across North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia are gathered in Raleigh this week to share strategies for navigating increasingly complex federal funding programs and strengthening local economies, as cities nationwide face growing demands with limited staff capacity.
Hosted by the National League of Cities (NLC), the Feb. 9 Municipal Finance Opportunities Convening brought together mayors, city managers and municipal finance and economic development officials for hands-on working sessions focused on New Markets Tax Credits, preparing for upcoming Opportunity Zone designations and managing federal grants once awards are secured.
The discussions reflected a shared challenge among cities large and small: while federal and private financing opportunities exist, accessing and managing those resources has become more complex as application requirements, compliance rules and reporting obligations expand.
“The funding resources meant to help cities – federal grants, tax credits and complex financing programs – have grown more complicated to access and manage. The idea of managing a federal grant for a small town or village can feel daunting, not because of lack of vision but a lack of capacity to write, research and comply with federal requirements,” said Clarence Anthony, CEO and Executive Director of the National League of Cities.
“For more than 100 years, NLC has been supporting cities, not just with one-off guidance, but prolonged, sustainable support to help you fulfill local leaders’ vision of a thriving, resilient community that their residents deserve.”
Participants emphasized the importance of peer learning and long-term technical assistance, particularly for small and mid-sized communities where limited staff often manage economic development, finance and grant compliance simultaneously. Many leaders shared examples of pursuing funding over multiple cycles before succeeding, underscoring the need for persistence and coordinated support.”
The convening also highlighted lessons from NLC’s hands-on technical assistance work, including the Local Infrastructure Hub model, which has helped cities nationwide strengthen their capacity to secure and manage federal funding over time. City leaders pointed to this approach as a shift away from one-time guidance toward ongoing partnership.
Following the municipal finance convening, city leaders, funders and national partners continued the conversation during the Local Economic Futures Forum, held Feb. 9–11, also in Raleigh. The forum focused on the evolving realities facing local economies and explored practical strategies across three core areas: economic security, fiscal strength and community vibrancy.
As cities look ahead, participants said the conversations in Raleigh will inform how they approach future funding opportunities, build internal capacity and collaborate with peers and partners to strengthen local economies.
View photos from the event and watch the livestream.
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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.