Councilmembers Smith and Kovar Appointed to National League of Cities Committees

We are proud to share the news that Councilmembers Jarrett Smith, Ward 5, AND Peter Kovar, Ward 1, have been appointed to National League of Cities (NLC) 2017 Committees. Councilmember Smith will serve on the Transportation and Infrastructure Services (TIS) federal advocacy committee, and Councilmember Kovar on the Community and Economic Development (CED) federal advocacy committee. The appointments were announced this week by NLC President and Cleveland Councilmember Matt Zone.

The TIS committee has the lead responsibility for developing NLC’s federal policy positions on issues involving transportation, including planning, funding, safety and security of public transit, streets and highways, aviation, railroads and ports.

The CED committee has the lead responsibility for developing NLC’s federal policy positions on issues involving housing, community and economic development, land use, recreation and parks, historic preservation and international competitiveness.

“I am humbled and honored to have been chosen to serve as a member of NLC’s Transportation & Infrastructure committee. In this capacity I will be able to meet with members of Congress to further our state’s interests. Transportation is an important topic as it is part of every Marylander’s day-to-day life, whether it is commuting to and from work, vacation, errands, etc. Our nation’s transportation infrastructure needs a very deliberate strategic plan and a significant financial investment,” said Smith of his appointment. “I am excited to be a part of the discussion about how great our transportation systems will be after some of the brightest and creative minds come together to address something that has become a national priority.”

Councilmember Kovar shared similar sentiments: “One of our top challenges in Takoma Park is working to shape development in and around our community to preserve the qualities that make our City a great place to live. I’m honored to have the opportunity, though this appointment, to work with municipal officials from around the country on key issues connected to that challenge, nationally and also in ways that benefit Takoma Park more directly.”

As a member of these committees, Councilmembers Smith and Kovar will play a key role in shaping NLC’s policy positions and advocate on behalf of America’s cities and towns before Congress, with the new Administration and at home.

For more information on NLC’s other committees and councils, visit http://www.nlc.org/influence-federal-policy/policy-committees.

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The National League of Cities (NLC) is dedicated to helping city leaders build better communities. NLC is a resource and advocate for 19,000 cities, towns and villages, representing more than 218 million Americans. www.nlc.org