In 1924, a group of 10 municipal leagues met in Lawrence, Kansas, with a shared vision: to ensure that America’s cities had a strong voice in the nation’s capital. That gathering marked the birth of the National League of Cities (NLC)—an organization that today stands as the premier advocate for local governments across the United States.
As the NLC celebrates its 100th anniversary, its mission remains as vital as ever. Governing recently sat down with Clarence Anthony, CEO and Executive Director of the NLC, to reflect on the league’s origins, its journey, and its aspirations for the next century.
The Roots of Representation
“It all started in 1924, in Lawrence, Kan.,” Anthony begins, “when 10 municipal leagues got together and said they wanted to make sure they had a voice in Washington, D.C.” At its inception, the NLC wasn’t just about advocacy—it was about fostering good government. Leaders from across the country came together to define what effective, responsive governance looked like, and how municipalities could learn from one another.
“That other goal,” Anthony adds, “was to create a space where leaders can network and share best practices.”
A Tour of Impact
To commemorate its centennial, NLC staff took to the road in an RV, visiting cities and towns from coast to coast. “We wanted to see our work in action,” Anthony says. “We decided we should meet our members in their communities, where they are.”
The tour allowed NLC leaders to witness firsthand the fruits of their labor: city-led projects funded in part by federal dollars, policy guidance, or technical support provided by the NLC. In Orlando, for instance, the team arrived just in time for a ribbon-cutting ceremony on a new housing development. “That project was possible because of the funding the city received through work with NLC,” Anthony says proudly. “We’re seeing it in action.”
Supporting Cities in Complex Times
Over the past few years, local governments have been tasked with implementing federal programs that are often large in scope and complex in execution. “The dollars are great,” Anthony acknowledges, “but they’re very complex and sometimes difficult to get.”
To help cut through red tape, the NLC has stepped in. Recently, it facilitated discussions between smaller municipalities and the Department of the Treasury to simplify the funding process. “We’ve come back and used that information to make it more streamlined for our members,” he says.
From housing and small business support to infrastructure investment, Anthony says that the NLC’s toolkits, solutions, and advocacy have proven invaluable in turning federal funds into real, tangible progress at the local level.
A Future Grounded in Local Leadership
Looking ahead, the NLC is doubling down on its commitment to home rule and local empowerment. “If you want something done,” Anthony says, “you give it to a local leader, and they’ll get it done.”
Technology may change how the NLC delivers services—through virtual meetings, data visualization tools, and more—but its core values endure. “The basic principles of federal advocacy representation, best practices, and making sure that good government continues to be lifted up have not changed,” he emphasizes.
In the next 10 years, the NLC will continue to innovate in how it connects with and supports its member cities. Yet, the organization’s heart will always remain rooted in its founding belief: that cities are the most trusted, effective level of government in America.
“Cities continue to be the most trusted and reliable level of government to bring about change and opportunity in America,” Anthony concludes. “That’s something we’ve believed since day one—and will continue to believe in the next century.”
