The National League of Cities (NLC) sent out a leadership update illustrating the strain on communities across the country. NLC explained how the pandemic had made normal social practices almost impossible to uphold, and amid that struggle, political tension has affected communities as well. They said, "This week, our communities continue to be hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic, and now many of our cities, towns and villages face challenges and critical conversations around racial equity, public safety and uprisings."

The letter continued with the encouragement to utilize the resources that the association offers through their Race Equity and Leadership (REAL) team. REAL provides information concerning the steps political leaders are taking and ways supports can help "to strengthen local elected officials' knowledge and capacity to eliminate racial disparities, heal racial divisions, and build more equitable communities..."

 

Leon Andrews, director of REAL, was contacted to discuss the further discuss the organization, but he was not available.

Furthermore, the NLC Board of Directors is planning to virtually meet next week for their Summer Board and Leadership meeting. NLC president, Joe Buscaino, had this to say regarding the meeting, "I'm looking forward to a week of engagement, important discussions and charting a path forward for cities, towns, and villages. I'm proud of all my colleagues who are committed to bettering the lives of their constituents, and I am confident that as we start to rebuild as a nation, our communities will come out stronger than ever before."

There appears to be much to discuss for the NLC Board of Directors, and updates are sure to follow.

REAL's website:
https://www.nlc.org/racial-equity-resources-and-reports