New CitiesSpeak episode examines voter priorities, congressional turnover and how local leaders can prepare for the 120th Congress
WASHINGTON — Following the 2026 midterm elections, America’s cities, towns and villages face a changing congressional landscape as voters signal growing concerns about affordability, economic opportunity and quality of life. In the latest episode of the National League of Cities’ (NLC) CitiesSpeak podcast, NLC Senior Executive and Director for Federal Advocacy Irma Esparza Diggs joins NLC CEO and Executive Director Clarence E. Anthony to examine what the election results mean for local governments and how municipal leaders can prepare for the next Congress.
The conversation explores potential shifts in congressional leadership, the emergence of newly elected members with local government experience and the federal policy priorities likely to shape municipal operations in the coming year. From housing and infrastructure to federal funding and disaster recovery, Esparza Diggs emphasizes the importance of early engagement and bipartisan partnerships to advance local priorities.
What Local Leaders Should Know
Affordability and quality of life remain top voter priorities. Voters are focused on tangible solutions to everyday challenges, including housing costs, public safety, infrastructure and economic opportunity. Local governments play a central role in addressing these concerns and demonstrating the impact of public policy on residents.
“I think last night, what we saw, the clearest message is that voters are really focused on how affordable things are for them and their families, their own quality of life,” said Esparza Diggs.
Congressional turnover creates opportunities to strengthen local-federal partnerships. With new members and leadership changes expected across committees overseeing housing, transportation, infrastructure and federal spending, local leaders have an opportunity to establish relationships and elevate municipal priorities early in the legislative process.
“We’re also seeing new members of Congress that are going to arrive with backgrounds such as being mayors, local officials, firefighters, sheriffs and community leaders,” Esparza Diggs said.
Local leaders should begin engaging incoming members of Congress now. As the current Congress approaches its final weeks, municipalities should continue advocating for federal investments while preparing to work with newly elected lawmakers. Esparza Diggs encourages local officials to share concrete examples of how federal programs support housing, infrastructure, workforce development and other community priorities.
“Local leaders should introduce themselves to incoming members, share their local priorities and really provide concrete examples of how federal programs impact their residents and their economy,” Esparza Diggs said.
The episode also examines outstanding legislative priorities, including federal appropriations, surface transportation programs, water infrastructure, permitting reform, artificial intelligence and disaster mitigation. With the current continuing resolution set to expire Dec. 11, federal funding decisions remain a significant concern for municipalities.
Throughout the conversation, Anthony and Esparza Diggs underscore the importance of ensuring local governments have a voice in federal policymaking, regardless of the political composition of Congress.
Listen to the full conversation, also 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 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!
