The National League of Cities (NLC) held its 2012 Congress of Cities and Exposition last week in Boston, Massachusetts. The conference offers city leaders a chance to network and work together on a variety of issues facing cities today. The organization also uses this conference to make yearly appointments to its board positions, and reward cities that demonstrate innovation.
This year, the NLC awarded 541 medals to 162 communities across the country, in recognition of their outstanding efforts to complete health and wellness goals for Let’s Move! Cities, Towns and Counties (LMCTC). The project is a major component of First Lady Michelle Obama’s comprehensive Let’s Move! initiative, which is dedicated to solving the childhood obesity epidemic within a generation. LMCTC calls upon local elected officials to adopt long-term, sustainable and holistic approaches that promote improved nutrition and increased physical activity within their communities. The goals of the program include helping children get active and have healthier choices as part of their school lunches.
Miramar, FL Mayor Lori C. Moseley was also awarded 2012 Annual Leadership Award, presented by Women in Municipal Government (WIMG). The WIMG Leadership Award recognizes a female local official for unique and outstanding leadership in local government. The winner is recognized for individual achievement in initiating creative and successful programs in local government which help citizens, particularly if the leadership serves as a specific mentoring model for future female leaders.
Under the Mayor’s governance, the City of Miramar has become home to many Fortune 500 companies, and in 2006 and 2008 was included in Money Magazine’s Top 100 Places to Live.
In addition to these awards, Clarence E. Anthony has been named the association’s new Executive Director. He will assume the role in January 2013 and be tasked with directing the operations, initiatives and staff of the association while working closely with NLC’s leadership and membership to develop and implement a strategic plan advancing the interests of NLC’s member cities. Prior to this role, he was Mayor of South Bay, FL for 24 years and as NLC President from 1998-1999. He also served as Founding Treasurer of United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG), the international voice for local governments, for four years.
Anthony will replace Donald J. Borut who served as NLC Executive Director for 22 years. Borut announced his retirement in May and will depart the organization at the end of this year.
Marie Lopez Rogers, Mayor, Avondale, Arizona will lead the organization as President for 2013. The organization also elevated Chris Coleman, Mayor, St. Paul, Minnesota to First Vice President and chose Ralph Becker, Mayor, Salt Lake City, Utah as Second Vice President. All officers will serve a one year term.
