NLC COVID-19: Pandemic Response Update | Issue 34

LEADERSHIP UPDATE

Colleagues,

Last week, we worked with The Washington Post to highlight the struggles our cities, towns and villages are facing, and it’s resonating. Local governments are calling for at least $500 billion in direct federal funding to protect families, municipal workers and America’s economic future. In a true showcase of the efficacy of our Cities Are Essential campaign, a Senator read this article and reached out directly to NLC to talk about the need for direct funding to our communities. Our efforts are working, People are listening.

Congress returns to Washington next week, and we are in the final push for Cities are Essential. Now is the time that all our hard work must be heard by Congress. If you are lucky enough to not feel the financial pressures of COVID now, the future is unpredictable, and you may find yourself in need of assistance down the road. If you are already feeling the effects of COVID on your municipal budget, I encourage you to share your story.

This is your chance to be heard, to share your stories and make a final charge for Cities are Essential. Call your Senator TODAY and be the advocate your community needs. Congress needs to know this is about the people, it’s about families and businesses and everything that makes a community home. I know we can do this!

Sending you strength,

Joe Buscaino
President,
National League of Cities
President Pro Tempore, Los Angeles City Council

RESOURCES

OPPORTUNITIES

Last Chance for Cities Are Essential!
Without a final overwhelming effort by every local elected official to influence Members of Congress, our federal leaders could leave out direct budget aid to all 19,000 cities, towns and villages in the next coronavirus relief package. July represents our final chance to advocate for direct federal assistance for all cities, towns and villages in the final COVID-19 emergency assistance bill. Call your Senator TODAY! Your community depends on it, and so does the economic health of our nation.

The Network for Public Health Law: COVID-19: Protecting Voter Health and Participation in the 2020 Elections
The coronavirus pandemic is amplifying existing barriers to voting and election participation, impacting engagement in the election process. As states respond to the threat of COVID-19, they must consider ways to educate voters about changes and ensure that everyone can safely and securely vote in the 2020 election cycle. This webinar will address the connection between health disparities and voting disparities, and how the recent movement against racial injustice is impacting in-person and absentee turnout.

BEST PRACTICES

Navigating Preemption during COVID: Four Steps Cities Can Take to Increase Affordable Housing
Inequities in housing, prior to this public health crisis, have magnified the current state of housing instability. In addition to funding needed for residents to access shelters and remain in their homes long after COVID-19, cities need to have access to more tools to develop and preserve safe, quality and affordable housing. Read More.

IN THE NEWS

State, local governments wrestle over quickly dwindling coronavirus aid, complicating talks on next federal bill
The Washington Post – July 13, 2020

A nationwide response from an unusual place: City halls
The Hill – July 10, 2020

Coronavirus’s painful side effect is deep budget cuts for state and local government services
The Conversation – July 10, 2020

Letters: Congress must act to help local governments meet budgets, gain prosperity
Baton Rouge Advocate – July 7, 2020