LOS ANGELES – Mayor Chasity Wells-Armstrong, Kankakee, Illinois has been elected to the National League of Cities (NLC) Board of Directors by NLC’s membership at the 2018 City Summit in Los Angeles. Wells-Armstrong was elected to a 2-year term and will provide strategic direction and guidance for NLC’s federal advocacy, governance and membership activities. NLC is the largest and most representative organization for cities, their elected leaders and municipal staff, and advocates for city priorities in Washington by building strong federal-local partnerships.

” I am very honored to serve in this capacity. This appointment provides access to national experts, resources, and raises the platform of the City of Kankakee.” Wells-Armstrong is the first African American to be elected as Mayor of Kankakee, Illinois and the 2nd woman in the history of the municipality to serve in this capacity. “National League of Cities represents a collaborative approach to address issues facing municipalities such as preemptive action concerning issues such as the opioid epidemic, and aging infrastructure while working with local organizations on implementing proven strategies that work,” adding,” Partnering with cities from across the nation offers our City of Kankakee invaluable experience and expertise in dealing with the various issues that are unfortunately too common in our neighborhoods,”

As a member of the board, Wells-Armstrong will meet in March, June and November to guide NLC’s strategic direction. Board members are selected by a 15-member nominating committee, and are confirmed by a vote from NLC’s membership at the organization’s annual business meeting.

“The National League of Cities board of directors serves a critical role in guiding our organization’s priorities and policies,” said National League of Cities (NLC) President Karen Freeman-Wilson, mayor of Gary, Indiana. “NLC’s board of directors is made up of a group of amazing leaders, and I look forward to working with them during an important time for the nation’s cities.”
More than 3,800 mayors, councilmembers and other delegates from all 50 states and the District of Columbia convened in Los Angeles for City Summit. With gridlock likely to continue in Washington, city leaders are taking action into their own hands and sharing strategies and solutions to address issues like the affordable housing crisis, investing in infrastructure, combatting the opioid epidemic and building a sustainable future.

###

Download the Press Release