Social distancing has caused businesses to close or curtail their services to slow the spread of COVID-19. Employees of non-essential services, such as restaurants and retail stores, in turn are losing their jobs or experiencing a drastic reduction in pay. These employees are already straining to make ends meet because they are more likely to earn hourly wages and lack benefits such as healthcare or paid sick leave.   Before this pandemic,

In response to growing numbers of COVID-19 cases in states and communities across the country, municipal governments are being forced to either close their meetings to the public or operate meetings entirely remotely. However, most communities are subject to sunshine laws, accessibility laws, or concerns about public engagement. How are local governments responding to this

Mass closures of businesses and organizations due to Coronavirus can affect early childcare providers’ survival as small businesses. Parents who cannot work remotely have an acute need for childcare services. Critical personnel in this time of crisis include healthcare and public health workers; grocery store employees; police, fire and other emergency response workers and right

Consistent with the President’s National Emergency Declaration for the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on March 13, 2020, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is urging local officials to take appropriate actions necessary to protect public health and safety pursuant to public health guidance, conditions and capabilities. Under emergency declaration, FEMA is authorized to reimburse local governments

By Richard Leadbeater Geography and location analysis has a crucial role in a better understanding of this evolving epidemic. For a long time now, the healthcare community has used maps to understand the spread of disease. Most famously in 1854, when Dr. John Snow connected location and illness with his history-making map of a London

These are unprecedented times. However, it is important to speak up and ensure that equity is not being overlooked as leaders and community advocates respond to COVID-19 and the circumstances our neighbors confront in the coming days and months. The National League of Cities REAL Council wants to highlight examples of local action leaders can

Over the past two weeks, life in our cities, towns, and villages has changed drastically. Our nation’s top health experts have asked us to stop gathering in large groups in order to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus. Schools, restaurants, places of worship, small businesses and even some municipal offices have moved online or

Capitol Hill Advocacy Day is the culmination of all the calls to action in NLC’s Congressional City Conference programming. This year, Annual Capitol Hill Advocacy Day was a huge success and reaffirmed that local-federal leaders must lead together and with urgency, during these unprecedented times.   On Wednesday, March 11th, municipal officials across the 39 states participating in Hill Day were briefed

As concerns increase surrounding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the National League of Cities (NLC) prioritized programming, resources and precautionary measures on-site at this year’s Congressional City Conference (CCC). NLC also provided real-time updates and resources for attendees to take back to their cities, towns, and villages.   CCC Coronavirus Townhall with Lindsey Horvath and Dr. Oscar Alleyne, NACCHO  On Tuesday, NLC hosted an important town hall moderated by

This week, over 2,000 local officials, partners, and municipal staff traveled to our nation’s capital for the 55th annual Congressional City Conference (CCC). America’s largest legislative conference for local leaders saw important policy discussions, engaging general session speakers, collaborative networking opportunities, and a spotlight on the power of cities, towns and villages.  Here are our top ten moments:  Local Leaders Build Record-Breaking Networks