Want to learn how to read the data that your staff puts in front of you? Learn basic data and statistical concepts and what are the best available sources as a policymaker. Get help identifying the questions you should ask when using data. This session is designed for elected officials and municipal leaders to help you understand the basics of data review. The session will include an opportunity to practice reading data and connecting it to policy options for decision-making.

Session Objectives:

• Basic data and statistical concepts;
• Available data sources for policy makers;
• Practice with how to identify policy levers using publicly available data; and
• A hands-on component in which elected leaders will develop a question for their staff to answer using data to inform a policy decision or issue they need to address.

Learn how to apply an equity lens to infrastructure investments and capital decisions, particularly those funded with municipal bonds. Jurisdictions who want to attract investors from the sustainable and impact investment movement and seeking federal aid programs should consider how to integrate equality and social justice in their municipal bond programs. Learn about the new Municipal Bond Markets & Racial Equity framework, which provides a roadmap for city leaders seeking to center racial equity, social justice and other equity principles in infrastructure and capital decisions funded with bonds and other revenue sources. This course is offered by the Public Finance Initiative and NLC. Scholarships are available for registration.

Session Objectives:

• Participants will learn about the basic foundational components that should be part of an equity strategy focused on infrastructure, capital investment, and capital decision-making process, for projects financed with a multitude of revenue sources.
• Participants will learn about the basic phases of a municipal bond issuance, and the opportunities that exist to center equity across different phases.
• Participants will engage in a short diagnostic that helps them audit and strengthen their practices integrating racial equity, equity, or other social justice principles in the context of infrastructure, capital investment, and municipal bond funding decisions.
• This program is offered by the Public Finance Initiative and the National League of Cities as a free offering for participants with the support of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. However, the views expressed in the Municipal Bond Markets & Racial Equity framework and this learning series are those of the authors and program teams.

Want to improve the health outcomes for your residents? This session offers local leaders the opportunity to learn how their role in municipal government can contribute to the improvement of health, equity and wellbeing throughout their local communities. Get insights on social determinants of health and gain an understanding of programs and resources available through NLC.

Session Objectives: Through participating in this session, city leaders will:

• Identify the core connections between municipal government leadership and health equity;
• Learn about the Social Determinants of Health and the seven Capacities for Action as tools for improving health equity and wellbeing in their communities; and,
• Gain understanding of the greater continuum of CoO programs and peer networks.

Learn how to build, implement and sustain effective wastewater monitoring systems that can transform decision-making about community health.  Additionally, get insights about NLCU’s new self-directed course available online.

Session Objectives: Through participating in this session, city leaders will:

• Understand the value of wastewater monitoring programs to public health decision-making in cities.
• Understand the workforce needs and value proposition of wastewater monitoring.
• Understand the structure and time requirements of the course.

Understanding retail and restaurant development is crucial for community vitality and economic growth. This session reveals the latest trends in retail/restaurant site selection, provides data-driven insights on their economic and social impact, and offers practical strategies for attracting and retaining these businesses in your community. Learn how successful cities are leveraging retail and restaurants to create vibrant downtowns, generate sustainable tax revenue, and build compelling quality-of-life amenities that attract both residents and employers.

Session Objectives:

• Benefits of retail and restaurants in your community
• Best practices for marketing your community to retailers
• Business friendly practices in national retail recruitment and downtown revitalization

Local governments play a pivotal role in shaping the lives of all residents, yet trust in government is often eroded by perceptions of unfairness, unresponsiveness, and systemic disparities. This session will equip municipal leaders with the knowledge, tools, and skills to rebuild trust, foster collaboration, and create governance systems that engage and represent all community members—especially those historically excluded from decision-making. Participants will explore how past policies and practices have created racial disparities, the role of government in advancing racial equity, and actionable strategies for fostering more inclusive, equitable communities that improve outcomes for all. Through interactive activities, dialogue, and the powerful video Segregated By Design, this workshop will prepare leaders to shift toward transformative governance practices that promote fairness, transparency, and shared power.

Session Objectives:

• Develop a shared understanding of the language and frameworks to support the practice of racial equity
• Begin to build an awareness of the government’s role in advancing racial equity
• Use a tool for more inclusive and equitable community engagement

You won a federal infrastructure grant. Now what? Cities without extensive federal grant experience often face a steep learning curve in managing these grants. Join subject matter experts from the Local Infrastructure Hub to learn best practices in reporting, procurement and compliance. Get tips and critical skills on streamlining grant reporting and knowledge to ensure your grant management is effective.

Session Objectives:

• Hear from subject matter experts about best practices on federal grant management, procurement and compliance.
• Learn the latest on changing federal grant requirements.
• Ask experts questions on your city’s grant implementation challenges.