NLC Conference highlights critical infrastructure and housing challenges

The 2025 National League of Cities (NLC) Congressional City Conference wrapped up in Washington, D.C. after hosting 3,000 city leaders from March 10-12. Among the mayors and city council members were key speakers, including Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin and Vice President JD Vance. Delegates entered the conference with their 2025 Federal Advocacy Action Agenda.

It highlighted the main points and goals to be communicated during the event centered around the top issues of housing, public safety and infrastructure. The agenda detailed core principles:

Strengthen Local-Federal Partnerships
Avoid Unfunded Mandates
Safeguard Local Authority

It also listed the Federal Priorities to Strengthen America’s Communities:

Streamline Federal Programs for All Communities
Increase the Nation’s Housing Supply
Promote Public Safety
Solidify Infrastructure Investment
Close the Digital Divide
Build Community Resilience
Reduce Legal and Financial Burdens on Local Governments

In his speech at the event, Zeldin emphasized “cooperative federalism,” an approach of responsibility and authority for governmental programs that is shared among states and the federal government. “I’ve heard it from Democratic governors, Republican governors, red states, blue states, purple states, asking for us to work with the states and local municipalities.” Zeldin assured this teamwork was something at the forefront of his mind and the EPA’s work. “We want to work with you, and we want to partner with you,” he said.

Housing

In his speech on March 10, Vice President Vance addressed the nation’s housing shortage and affordability issues. He cited inflation, zoning regulations and immigration policies as reasons for those problems. Vance spoke about an executive order passed that would alleviate some of these costs. He said the order directs department and agency heads to eliminate unnecessary administrative expenses which were raising the price of home appliances. Additionally, the order eliminates some climate policies, which were driving up the costs of food and fuel.

Public Safety

The use of drones was a highly discussed topic in the realm of public safety initiatives spoken about at the conference. Drones are increasingly used to enhance public safety, assist police and fire departments during disasters and respond to criminal or emergency situations. Wichita, Kansas Mayor Lily Wu said “drones have proven to be invaluable tools in modern policing, aiding in search and rescue operations, monitoring large public events and providing aerial support.”

Infrastructure

A panel on March 11 focused on infrastructure planning and projects had mixed reviews of existing policies. Many speakers praised the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) of 2021, but said it fell short of expectations. Associate Legislative Director for Transportation at the National Association of Counties Benjamin Gilsdorf pointed out delays between getting funds and building projects. He said there was “a really big gap between what was expected by local governments and what actually happened at the federal level.”

On the same panel, Alexander Laska, Deputy Director for Transportation and Innovation at center-left think tank Third Way spoke of hindrances in current policies. Specifically, he said while “well-intentioned,” the Biden administration’s rule-making guidance “added a ton of additional complexity and time to the programs.”

All this information should prove helpful for the next congress that will craft the next surface transportation legislation as IIJA funding expires on Sept. 30, 2026. The IIJA is typically reauthorized every five years under different names. The legislation provides funding for highways and mass transit, a key issue highlighted by Austin Mayor Pro Tem Vanessa Fuentes. She spoke with U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen, a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee at the conference. Fuentes urged the collaboration between lawmakers and constituents asking, “as you refine your policy priorities, share them early and often with your congressional delegation about how the next bill must continue to deliver for cities.”

While housing, public safety, and infrastructure topped the list of concerns from U.S. cities large and small, other key issues included the federal funding freeze and disaster preparation and recovery.

Federal Funding Freeze

The federal funding freeze from Jan. 27 of this year was a main talking point for many leaders at the event. An estimated $3 trillion of funding has been withheld since the freeze and it is making a large impact on infrastructure, childcare programs, non-profit projects and the job market.

Disaster Preparation and Recovery

As the frequency and intensity of natural disasters increases, city leaders stressed the need for proper disaster preparation and recovery. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said, “the best way to do disaster relief is making sure you’re really good at disaster preparation.” Moore stated that cooperation among local, state, and federal entities was essential to recovery efforts in the Key Bridge collapse last year in Baltimore. West Hollywood Mayor Chelsea Lee Byers also spoke about her area which was ravaged by wildfires back in January. She offered a different, but also important perspective about areas impacted by destructive events. “Look into these disaster-stricken areas as a place to return to, to reinvest in.”

NLC President and Athens, Ohio Mayor Steve Patterson addressed the audience at the 2025 event saying, “from housing to public safety and infrastructure, local governments are leading the way all across this great nation.” He urged the crowd in his conference opening speech, “we have to show them that we are ready and resilient.” The NLC outlined 5 steps to take to continue to advocate and make voices heard.