New episode highlights how local leaders can strengthen relationships with Congress and advocate for community priorities while lawmakers are home
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A new episode of the National League of Cities’ (NLC) CitiesSpeak podcast offers local leaders practical strategies for making the most of the Congressional August recess, when members of Congress return to their home states and districts to meet with constituents and engage with their communities.
In the episode, Irma Esparza Diggs, NLC Senior Executive and Director of Federal Advocacy, speaks with Brittney Kohler, NLC Legislative Director for Transportation and Infrastructure Services, about how local leaders can use the recess to build relationships with their congressional delegations, showcase local projects and advocate for federal action on priorities affecting cities, towns and villages.
Kohler encourages local leaders to connect directly with congressional district offices, invite lawmakers to visit projects in their communities and use the time at home to demonstrate how federal policies and investments translate into tangible local results. For leaders who cannot connect with their representatives in August, she notes that the election-year calendar is expected to provide another opportunity when members return to their districts in October.
The conversation also highlights unfinished business awaiting Congress, including the reauthorization of federal transportation and infrastructure programs, the federal budget, implementation of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act and federal grant policy.
Highlights from the Conversation
On why August recess matters for local leaders:
“They are eager to spend time with you, but it’s a dedicated block of time rather than just a few days here or a small week or two there that allows them to actually be listening to their constituents, which is their job.” — Brittney Kohler, NLC Legislative Director for Transportation and Infrastructure Services
On the message local leaders should deliver on infrastructure:
“The brass tacks ask has to be let’s get this done. Let’s get infrastructure reauthorization done. It’s something that every community relies on.” — Brittney Kohler
On approaching members of Congress as partners:
“We are governing together. And as we govern together, it means that we are all partners in making people’s lives a little bit better.” — Brittney Kohler
Kohler also advises local leaders who may be hesitant to approach a member of Congress with whom they disagree to focus on the constituents they both serve, identify areas of agreement and bring concrete local challenges and potential solutions to the conversation.
Local leaders interested in connecting with their members of Congress can use NLC’s Hometown Champions resources for support in planning meetings, site visits and other in-district engagement. NLC’s federal advocacy team is also available to help local leaders develop strategies for congressional outreach.
Listen to the full conversation, “NLC’s Guide for Making the Most of August Recess,” available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube.
About CitiesSpeak
Each episode of NLC’s podcast, CitiesSpeak with Clarence Anthony, dives into a critical issue facing local leaders today, featuring conversations with elected leaders and policy experts from across the country. The podcast is a relaxed and entertaining resource for local policymakers looking for ideas and information to bring back to their communities. The podcast is hosted by NLC CEO and Executive Director Clarence E. Anthony, who previously served as mayor of South Bay, Florida, for more than two decades.
New episodes of CitiesSpeak are available on all major podcasting platforms and on YouTube. If you have feedback for the show or ideas for future guests, email us. Happy listening!
