WHAT IT MEANS: Most of the political news right now is federal at its core but, in recognizing local-level impacts, organizations including the National League of Cities have voiced concern over the shutdown and
reasserted it this week by spotlighting the drying-up of federal funds that help local communities. "Cities don’t have the luxury of waiting -- we urge the federal government to act now and honor its responsibility to serve the American people," said NLC President Karen Freeman-Wilson, mayor of Gary, Ind.
ON TAP: Things are happening at the state level, though. One state agency opened a new office focused on hurricane recovery (see blurb in this Bulletin), and a new General Assembly is on its way to Raleigh, where the 2019 long session will take its first operational steps on Jan. 9. Interim legislative committees are meeting in the meantime.
THE SKINNY: There's a lot in flux for all levels of government as the curtains open on 2019. The League will be there to cover all that matters to North Carolina's cities and towns -- and with a new addition to our Public and Government Affairs team. Read on for details.
Did you know the League awarded $142,000 in wellness grants, held 87 events, put out nearly 150 periodic publications, and collected beyond $4.5 million for its Debt Setoff Program in 2018? Those are just a few of many successful numbers captured in the League's 2018 Annual Report, which takes the busy year point by point. "As we look back over the past year, we can be especially proud that the North Carolina League of Municipalities continues to evolve into an organization that is increasingly responsive to the challenges faced by our towns and cities on so many fronts," said League President Michael Lazzara and Executive Director Paul Meyer in a letter setting the tone for the report. It also looks at the new Municipal Operations Consultants program, our comprehensive report on broadband needs for communities, our toolbox for the opioid-abuse battle, and other big highlights from the year that greatly improved League services without any increases in membership dues. Read the annual report in full here.
The League is thrilled to announce Demetrius Deloatch as the newest member of its Public and Governmental Affairs Team. As a Government Affairs Associate, Deloatch becomes a part of the League's ongoing mission of positive results at the General Assembly, where he's already a familiar face, having interned for legislators in both the House and Senate while in school and later serving as a legislative and regulatory research analyst for Raleigh lobbying firm Troutman Sanders Strategies. “We were so impressed with Demetrius’ energy, skills and knowledge of what cities and towns care about at the General Assembly, and we’re excited to add him to our team," said League Associate Executive Director of Public and Government Affairs Rose Vaughn Williams. Deloatch, originally from Conway, is a 2015 graduate of Elizabeth City State University, where he earned a bachelor's in political science and public administration, graduating cum laude. Two years later, he obtained his master's in public affairs with special focus on local government management. He joined the League as of Jan. 2. “It is an honor to be working with such a reputable organization," Deloatch said. "I look forward to advocating on behalf of the municipalities of the great state of North Carolina." He will work in concert with Williams, Legislative Counsel Erin Wynia, Legislative and Regulatory Counsel Sarah Collins and others on the staff heading into the 2019 legislative long session. Please join us in welcoming Deloatch to the team.
Want to know more about bringing better broadband to your community? Join us for Let's Connect, a statewide series of conversations about broadband access led by national and state experts to engage local residents. These events are being sponsored by the League, the Minneapolis, Minn.-based Institute for Local Self-Reliance and N.C. Broadband Matters. The events are set for Jan. 28 in Albemarle, Jan. 29 in Fuquay-Varina and Jan. 30 in Jacksonville. Please use this link for registration details.
