How leaders navigate shutdown-affected communities
The National League of Cities (NLC) shared how local leaders continue during the ongoing government shutdown. Municipal managers continue to keep essential services for their communities and have a transparent line of communication with their communities.
Mayor Ken Welch of St. Petersburg, FL released a statement that said, “Key city services like public safety, garbage collection and permit review will continue uninterrupted.”
Mayor Sheldon Neeley of Flint, MI, recently held a press conference to reaffirm the city’s protection of its residents, “We are working closely with state and federal partners to ensure families have the information, resources and support they need.”
The NLC continues to support open conversations about the effects of the government shutdown. They support how the Mayor Victor Trevino of Laredo, TX, recently joined Congressman Henry Cuellar, local organizations and community leaders for a roundtable discussion about the federal government shutdown and its impact on their city.
NLC Director of Federal Advocacy, Irma Esparza Diggs advises local leaders to identify priorities and potential service gaps to make steady and informed decisions. She asks leaders to ask their teams three important questions:
- How much federal funding supports your programs and projects, both directly and indirectly through the state?
- How many federal employees, including military personnel, live in your community, and could face paycheck disruptions?
- How many of your residents receive federal support for nutrition, housing, heating or other essential services that will be impacted by the lack of federal funding? Can your city and community partners support those residents?
Local leaders continue to navigate and advocate what is best for their communities during this shutdown.
