FEDERAL ADVOCACY
2026 Action Agenda
STRENGTHENING LOCAL ECONOMIES THROUGH FEDERAL PARTNERSHIP
CORE PRINCIPLES
Strengthen Local-Federal Partnerships – Ensure federal decisions reflect local priorities b
y fostering robust collaboration and empowering local governments. Avoid Unfunded Mandates – Federal rules and regulations must be practical, c
ost-effective, and free of undue burdens on local governments. Safeguard Local Authority – Oppose over-regulation by the federal go
vernment 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 c
ommunities, particularly those that are small or rural.
Improve Housing Attainability
Expand funding for successful affordable housing programs such as CDBG, HOME and Housing Choic
e Vouchers.
Support local efforts to develop housing through technical assistance, federal gr
ants, and increased flexibility within federal housing programs to enhance public-private partnerships.
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.
ATTACHMENT #2
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 financ
e 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 r
ebuilding in the same footprint.
Build Future-Focused Communities
Preserve local decision-making over broadband infrastructure and ensure affordable, high- speed int
ernet for all communities.
R eauthorize and fully fund the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program to safeguard against rising cyber threats.
Pr otect local decision-making around artificial intelligence and data centers. R eauthorize the FirstNet public safety broadband network.
Build Community Resilience and Support Local Economies
Pr ovide additional support for pre-disaster mitigation to reduce taxpayer costs and protect public safety.
In vest in clean energy projects to bolster energy independence and economic growth. Pr eserve or restore funding, financing, tax credits and programs that support local governments.
A dvance 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 r
educe 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.
cmo:150-20/H:/COMMON/City Council/Council Items/2026 Staff Reports/041426/ Attachment 2 NLC 2026 Federal Advocacy Agenda Handout.pdf