LR Mayor Stodola chosen to lead National League of Cities

Little Rock Mayor Mark Stodola was elected president of the National League of Cities on Saturday at the organization’s 2017 City Summit in Charlotte, N.C.

Stodola, who has served as Little Rock mayor since 2007, will lead the nation’s largest and most representative membership and advocacy organization for cities and their leaders. He was elected by the membership to serve a one-year term and will lead NLC’s advocacy, education, research and membership activities. The NLC represents more than 19,000 cities nationwide.

“Today, more than ever, cities are taking the lead on the most important issues that impact Americans,” said Stodola. “I am grateful and energized to lead this vital organization for city leaders and to ensure that our collective perspectives and experience are heard in the national conversation.”

Stodola told the group that his priorities over the coming year will include helping city leaders prepare their cities’ workforces to be competitive in a 21st century global economy.

NLC’s 2018 officers serving with Stodola include First Vice President Karen Freeman-Wilson, mayor of Gary, Indiana; Second Vice President Joe Buscaino, council member in Los Angeles; and Immediate Past President Matt Zone, council member in Cleveland.