News

The Local Leaders Council’s inaugural Advisory Board meeting in October 2012.

Earlier this month, we marked a milestone achievement for bringing smart growth practices to more communities nationwide: the addition of the 100th member to our Local Leaders Council.

The Local Leaders Council is a nonpartisan group of municipal officials who share a passion for building great towns, cities, and communities. Representing communities of all sizes from across the United States, Council members are dedicated to using smart growth strategies to help their hometowns compete and grow in today’s economy.

“One hundred members is proof that cities and counties across the nation are embracing smart growth solutions,” said Neha Bhatt, Deputy Policy Director for Smart Growth America. “Each one of our members brings a wealth of experience and firsthand knowledge about how communities grow, and this network of leaders is well positioned to support better public investment and planning choices.”

“Development decisions made at the local level can impact communities for decades to come,” said Geoff Anderson, President and CEO of Smart Growth America. “Local elected leaders are a key part of making sure those decisions benefit communities financially and economically. The Local Leaders Council is an invaluable resource in helping members’ own communities and communities across the country.”

Current and former elected leaders (mayors, councilmembers, commissioners, supervisors and aldermen) as well as appointed public officials (agency directors, city managers, county executives, etc.) with a strong interest in implementing smart growth strategies are eligible and encouraged to join the Local Leaders Council. Learn more about joining the Council and nominate a member or submit an application today.

Congratulations to the Council for passing this noteworthy milestone. We are proud to work with the Council’s current members, and look forward to meeting new members yet to come.