NLC has a biannual agenda mapped to the Congressional cycle to guide local advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill and with the Administration. Learn more about the issues that matter most in your community. View our 2026 Federal Action Agenda below.
As the nation marks its 250th anniversary, the National League of Cities reaffirms the foundational role of local governments in federalism and the enduring strength of American democracy. In cities, towns and villages of all sizes, families and businesses rely on a thriving federal-local partnership for America’s continued economic success. Local leaders look forward to partnering with the federal government on policies that build local and national success.
Core Principles
- Strengthen Local-Federal Partnership – Ensure federal decisions reflect local priorities by fostering robust collaboration and empowering local governments.
- Avoid Unfunded Mandates – Federal rules and regulations must be practical, cost-effective, and free of undue burdens on local governments.
- Safeguard Local Authority – Oppose over-regulation by the federal government and protect the ability of local leaders to make decisions that reflect their communities’ different needs.
Federal Priorities to Strengthen America’s Communities
Simplify Federal Requirements for Communities
- Simplify grant applications and compliance processes to improve access for all communities, particularly those that are small or rural.
Improve Housing Attainability
- Expand funding for successful affordable housing programs such as CDBG, HOME and Housing Choice Vouchers.
- Support local efforts to develop housing through technical assistance, federal grants, and increased flexibility within federal housing programs to enhance public-private partnerships.
Promote Public Safety
- Fund recruitment and retention of a comprehensive public safety workforce.
- Enhance mental health crisis response and violence prevention programs.
- Strengthen public safety operations through technology, training and accountability.
- Improve local capacity for disaster management, response and recovery.
- Expand federal partnerships to address evolving public safety challenges.
Strengthen Infrastructure Investment
- Maintain and reauthorize essential federal transportation and water infrastructure funding and finance programs to address local needs and prioritize streamlined and direct funding to local governments.
- Protect tax-exempt municipal bonds.
- Expedite environmental reviews for infrastructure projects, especially for smaller projects and rebuilding in the same footprint.
Build Future-Focused Communities
- Preserve local decision-making over broadband infrastructure and ensure affordable, high-speed internet for all communities.
- Reauthorize and fully fund the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program to safeguard against rising cyber threats.
- Protect local decision-making around artificial intelligence and data centers.
- Reauthorize the FirstNet public safety broadband network.
Build Community Resilience and Support Local Economies
- Provide additional support for pre-disaster mitigation to reduce taxpayer costs and protect public safety.
- Invest in clean energy projects to bolster energy independence and economic growth.
- Preserve or restore funding, financing, tax credits and programs that support local governments.
- Advance federal immigration policy to empower economic growth.
Reduce Legal and Financial Burdens on Local Governments
- Provide liability protections for local governments managing PFAS contamination and reduce or eliminate other unfunded federal mandates.
The National League of Cities (NLC) is committed to fostering a strong local-federal partnership to drive economic growth, enhance public safety and ensure efficient governance by advocating on behalf of local government interests with all branches of the federal government – executive, legislative and judicial. Together, we can position America’s communities for a secure and prosperous future. Advocating on behalf of local government interests with all branches of the federal government – executive, legislative, and judicial. Together, we can position America’s communities for a secure and prosperous future.
Stay Updated With Our Federal Advocacy Newsletter
The Federal Advocacy Update Newsletter is your source for the latest Capitol Hill and Administration activity. Our bi-weekly newsletter provides analysis and updates on the latest federal issues affecting municipalities. Sign up today!
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