Welcome to Public Service: A Message to Newly Elected Municipal Officials

CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR ELECTION!
The League is here to offer guidance, education and advocacy to promote effective local leadership across North Carolina.

Being elected to public office is a sacred duty that citizens of your town have entrusted to you. That trust comes with vast responsibility and opportunities; it is natural to feel both excitement and a bit of uncertainty as you begin this new chapter. Whether this is your first term or a continuation of your service, know that the North Carolina League of Municipalities is here to support you every step of the way.

For more than 100 years, the League has worked alongside cities and towns across our state with one common purpose: to better serve the lives of all North Carolina residents. Today, the League represents more than 540 municipalities of every size and region, from our largest urban cities to our smallest rural communities.

Through the League’s continuing education programs, insurance and risk management services, municipal accounting services, legislative advocacy, consulting, and more, we strive to provide the support local officials need to govern with confidence. There is power in collaboration. When North Carolina cities and towns share ideas, experiences and solutions, every community benefits.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED WITH THE LEAGUE
As a new or returning member, we invite you to get involved with the League and make the most of the opportunities available to you. One of the first steps we recommend is attending the Essentials of Municipal Government course, co-hosted with the UNC School of Government. This training is designed to be a one-stop shop for the fundamentals of public service and for transitioning from campaigning to governing. League staff will be on site to meet you, provide trainings, answer your questions and help you make connections that will serve you well throughout your time in office.

It is important for members to continue honing their municipal education, that’s why the League’s Advancing Municipal Leaders (AML) program is so valuable. Our AML program proudly offers a robust course catalog ranging from municipal finance to learning parliamentary procedures, and everything in between. As you progress through your municipal careers, AML courses are prepared to meet you wherever you are.

Upcoming ‘Elected Officials Training’ sessions on Dec. 3, Dec. 10, and Dec. 16 will include AML's ‘Council Academy’ and ‘Rules of Procedure’ courses. These trainings will focus on the day-to-day responsibilities of public service, including conducting productive board meetings and navigating the complexities of municipal management. Please join one of these sessions to learn about municipal necessities for the first time, or as a refresher.

HOW TO ADVOCATE FOR YOUR TOWN
As a community leader, we encourage you to get connected with our Government Affairs team. This team of dedicated professionals works on your behalf at the NC General Assembly. League staff connects with members across the state to develop legislative and advocacy goals. Our Government Affairs team has a constant presence at the legislative building in downtown Raleigh, keeping a close eye on bills that impact municipalities and influencing legislation in line with our collective goals. Your support and participation can influence change at the legislature.

We send a regular Legislative Bulletin email that describes what is taking place in Raleigh and encourages you to stay involved with us and your legislators. We will help you grow your relationship with your region’s legislators through our Town & State Dinners. Building a professional relationship with state leaders is imperative for our collective voice to be heard on important legislative issues that arise.

WHO TO CALL
Often, the League’s Business Services team is the first point of contact for our members. No matter the question, our Business Services consultants are knowledgeable about all things local government. If specialized expertise is needed, they will connect you directly with the appropriate League staff members. No question is too small—they are just a phone call away and ready to help.

And as you gain experience, consider serving on a League committee or our Board of Directors, helping to shape the organization’s direction and impact for years to come.

The benefits of staying involved with the League are clear. When you engage with us, you gain access to a network of peers who understand the unique challenges of local government and who are ready to share insight and support. You strengthen your community’s voice in state and national discussions. And you ensure that your city or town remains connected to the shared knowledge, advocacy and innovation that have long defined municipal leadership in North Carolina.

Public service is both rewarding and demanding, requiring dedication, collaboration and a willingness to learn. The North Carolina League of Municipalities is proud to walk alongside you as you navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead. Welcome to public service! Welcome to the League!