National League of Cities Elects Joplin MO Councilmember as New President During Congress of Cities and Exposition

Melodee Colbert-Kean, president
of the National League of Cities (NLC)

The National League of Cities (NLC) announced that its membership has elected Melodee Colbert-Kean, Councilmember and former Mayor of Joplin, Missouri, as the organization's new president. The election took place during the annual Congress of Cities and Exposition in Nashville.

Colbert-Kean, who served as NLC's first vice president in 2015, was elected by the membership to lead the organization for a one-year term and will play a key role in shaping NLC's priorities and directing the organization's advocacy, education, research and membership activities. NLC is the nation's largest and most representative membership and advocacy organization for city officials. 

"City leaders and the communities they serve are on the front lines of the issues that fuel American success," Colbert-Kean said. "We are the first adopters of innovation and have been the leaders in economic recovery. I am honored and thrilled to serve as National League of Cities president. Over the next year, the National League of Cities will work to ensure every local government knows that they have a place within our organization. I look forward to continuing to grow our membership and ensure that the priorities that matter the most to cities are at the forefront of federal policy."

Biden to Speak at National League of Cities 2015 Congress of Cities and Exposition

The National League of Cities (NLC) announced Friday that Vice President Joe Biden will address leaders of cities across the U.S. at the organization's 2015 Congress of Cities and Exposition in Nashville.