Kevin Kramer Elected President as National League of Cities Charts Course for Thriving Local Communities
The National League of Cities (NLC) has elected Louisville, Kentucky Councilmember Kevin Kramer as its new president, signaling a renewed focus on bolstering local governance and community development across the United States.Kramer officially assumed the role at the NLC’s 2025 City Summit in Salt Lake City, Utah, and will serve a one-year term prioritizing efficient services, thriving communities, and a strengthened sense of place for all residents.
“Local government is consistently the most trusted level of government in America,” Kramer stated. “Representing the 19,000 cities, towns and villages across this country is a great obligation and tremendous honor that I do not take lightly. Local leaders are ready to get the job done for their residents, and I am confident NLC will continue to advocate and protect the interests of every municipality. I am thrilled to work alongside the 2026-27 NLC Board of Directors to continue to reimagine how we build strong,resilient local communities.”
Alongside Kramer’s election,the NLC also named Savannah,Georgia Mayor Van R. Johnson II as first Vice President and Tempe,Arizona Vice Mayor Doreen Garlid as Second Vice President.These appointments reflect a commitment to diverse leadership within the organization as it navigates evolving challenges facing municipalities nationwide.
The NLC membership also elected a robust slate of new members to its Board of Directors, representing a broad geographic and demographic range.The two-year terms will be filled by: Toby Barker, Mayor of Hattiesburg, Mississippi; Adam Bazaldua, Councilmember, Dallas, Texas; Michael Blake, Mayor of Cocoa, Florida; Travis Bruton, Councilmember, Glenn Heights, Texas; Cindy Dyballa, Councilmember, Takoma Park, Maryland; Dany Fleming, Vice Mayor, Harrisonburg, Virginia; Blaine Griffin, Council President, Cleveland, Ohio; Christina Hobbs, Councilmember, Union City, Georgia; David Hunt, councilmember, Ahoskie, North Carolina; Brian Kazy, Councilmember, Cleveland, Ohio; And Kealey, Councilmember, Burnsville, Minnesota; Jodi Miller, Mayor, Freeport, Illinois; Bianca Motley Broom, Mayor, College Park, Georgia; Kim Norton, Mayor, Rochester, Minnesota; Darrell O’Quinn, councilmember, Birmingham, Alabama; Jaime Patino, Councilmember, Union City, California; Emmanuel V. Remy,Councilmember,Columbus,Ohio; Mary Sarver,Mayor Pro Tem,Grandview,Texas; Mark Shepherd,Mayor,Clearfield,Utah; Holly D. Smith, Vice mayor, Sanibel, Florida; Gloria Solorio, Councilmember, Avondale, Arizona; Doug Sprouse, Mayor, Springdale, Arkansas; Katrina Thompson, Mayor, broadview, illinois; Ashley Vanorny, councilmember, Cedar Rapids, Iowa; L
Caucus of Local Elected Officials (NBC-LEO), alongside First Vice President Amber Sellers, Commissioner of lawrence, Kansas, and Second Vice President Byron Amos, councilmember of Atlanta, Georgia. Lisa Ford, Councilmember of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, will lead the Women in Municipal Government (WIMG) as President, with Amy Shuler Goodwin, Mayor of Charleston, West Virginia, as First Vice President and Jacquline A. Guzman, Deputy Mayor of Sunrise, Florida, as Second Vice President.the Local Indigenous Leaders (LIL) Leadership Circle will be guided by Roberta “Birdie” Cano, Mayor of Winslow, Arizona; Mary Ann Carbone, Mayor of Sand City, California; Renée M. Chacon, Councilmember, Commerce City, Colorado; Lisa Ford, Councilmember, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; April Fournier, Councilor, Portland, Maine; Doreen Garlid, Councilmember, Tempe, Arizona; and Chris Roberts, Mayor, Shoreline, Washington.
The National League of Cities remains a vital advocate for america’s cities, towns, and villages, representing over 200 million people and working to strengthen local leadership, influence federal policy, and drive innovative solutions. Stay connected with NLC on Facebook,X, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
