Cleveland City Council Participates in National League of Cities Congressional City Conference to Bring New Ideas and Perspective to Clevelanders

Mar 29, 2023

Cleveland, OH (March 29, 2023) - City Council members traveled to Washington, D.C., to participate in the annual National League of Cities Congressional City Conference. The conference occurred from March 26-28, though Council members serving on NLC Committees participated in pre-conference activities on March 24-25. 

For years, Cleveland has played a prominent role in the NLC. Former Councilman Matt Zone (2017) and former Mayor George Voinovich (1985) served as Presidents of the organization. 

Cleveland’s leadership in the organization continues to this day. Councilman Brian Kazy serves as Vice-Chair of the NLC’s Public Safety and Crime Prevention Committee, and a member of the Large Cities Council. Council President Blaine A. Griffin serves on the Finance, Administration, and Intergovernmental Affairs (FAIR) Federal Advocacy Committee, and the Race Equity And Leadership (REAL) Council. Clerk of Council Patricia J. Britt serves on the Community and Economic Development (CED) Committee.

Councilman Brian Kazy chaired the Public Safety and Crime Prevention Federal Advocacy Committee meeting on Saturday, March 25. After the meeting, Councilman Kazy shared, “It’s been quite the experience working on this committee because I get insight into new and effective ideas from cities with successful crime-fighting strategies, as well as what other cities have discovered to be successful in recruiting police, fire, and EMS personnel. Everything Council does is for the betterment of our residents. I’m grateful and humbled to have led that meeting and learned from my colleagues nationwide.” 

On March 28, the final day of the conference, Council participated in “Hill Day” to advocate for federal support in affordable housing, workforce and economic development and infrastructure dollars, specifically around railroad safety. 

Council President Blaine A. Griffin explained, “On our first day as the 119th Cleveland City Council, I stated our top priority is to take care of the people of the city of Cleveland. Cleveland’s participation in the NLC allows us to learn and exchange best practices, ideas, and community improvement strategies with local leaders from across the country. President Biden frequently mentions his goal as president is to “finish the job.” It's fitting that in President Biden’s backyard, we had the opportunity to learn and continue the work for Clevelanders. Like President Biden, Council has a lot of work ahead of us to finish the job for Clevelanders.” 

The NLC CCC conference did not happen in a vacuum. As Council learned from and shared ideas with local government leaders, they also kept an eye on current events across the country, including the recent school shooting in Nashville. Cleveland City Council extends its most sincere condolences to the victims' families. Council President Griffin and Councilman Kazy jointly stated, “We must continue to fervently advocate for responsible gun ownership, mental health services, and red flag laws. We must remain vigilant and NEVER give up the fight for safer communities in Cleveland and our state and country.”

It will take the work of federal, state, and local officials to reduce and eliminate senseless gun violence. Cleveland City Council is committed to the fight. While at the Conference, Council advocated for more responsible common-sense gun laws, fighting for resources for hiring more police, and mental health and social services support. 

To view images of Council at work at the NLC CCC click here. For more on the 2023 National League of Cities Congressional City Conference, visit https://ccc.nlc.org/ 

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