Washington D.C. – Over 170 mayors, councilmembers, and municipal staff from Alabama recently descended upon Washington, D.C., to participate in the National League of Cities’ (NLC) Congressional City Conference, held from March 9th to 13th. This gathering, which drew over 2,500 local government officials from across the nation, marked the centennial celebration of the NLC, a nonpartisan organization committed to empowering municipal leaders and fostering community development.
Amidst a backdrop of pressing national issues, the conference provided a platform for municipal leaders to engage with federal policymakers, policy experts, and fellow colleagues on a myriad of topics crucial to local governance. Discussions spanned critical areas such as infrastructure, climate resilience, workforce development, affordable housing, public safety, railroad safety, and nutrition.
Birmingham City Councilman Darrell O’Quinn, a member of NLC’s national board of directors, played a pivotal role during the conference, contributing to important conversations and attending various meetings. Reflecting on the event, O’Quinn emphasized the significance of addressing legislative priorities that directly impact Birmingham and Alabama, notably highlighting the Bipartisan Railway Safety Act as a focal point of discussion.
“This bill has the potential to protect and benefit every single American living near a rail line,” O’Quinn remarked, underscoring the collaborative efforts made by local elected officials nationwide to advance this critical legislation.
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall seized the spotlight during a panel discussion focused on litigation settlements with major opioid pharmaceutical distributors and manufacturers. Joined by municipal leaders from Ohio and Arkansas, Marshall shed light on Alabama’s groundbreaking approach to combatting the opioid crisis, emphasizing the significant impact of legal action in securing substantial settlements to address the epidemic’s ramifications within communities.
“Our state’s proactive legal strategy has positioned Alabama to effectively address the devastating impacts of opioid abuse,” Marshall emphasized, highlighting the historic opportunity presented by over $800 million in opioid settlements to address the crisis at the grassroots level.
Hartselle Mayor Randy Garrison, serving as ALM’s president, lauded the conference’s enriching sessions and emphasized the importance of collaboration and knowledge-sharing among municipal leaders. Drawing inspiration from fellow attendees, Garrison underscored NLC’s role in advocating for municipalities at the federal level and fostering a sense of unity among cities and towns nationwide.
In addition to attending informative sessions and engaging in discussions, Alabama’s municipal leaders participated in state-specific meetings aimed at providing updates, resources, and networking opportunities. Congressional members from Alabama, including Representatives and Senators, met with attendees to address pressing issues and exchange ideas.
Keynote speeches from President Joe Biden, cabinet members, members of Congress, and federal agency representatives added depth to the conference, offering insights into the national agenda and opportunities for dialogue between local and federal leaders. Furthermore, ALM members participated in NLC’s Hill Day program, advocating directly to Congress members on Capitol Hill.
As municipal leaders return home inspired and equipped with new insights, the impact of their participation in the NLC Congressional City Conference will undoubtedly resonate in communities across Alabama, reaffirming their commitment to building better, more resilient cities and towns for generations to come.
