Fargo City Commissioner John Strand has been appointed as Vice Chair of the National League of Cities (NLC) 2025 Human Development Federal Advocacy Committee. Commissioner Strand was elected to a one-year term and will provide strategic direction and guidance for NLC’s federal advocacy agenda and policy priorities for a host of issues, including workforce development, children and education, public health, mental health, substance use, veterans, seniors and immigration.
“It is an honor to join the leadership of the National League of Cities Human Development Federal Advocacy Committee. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from elected officials from across the country and share the lessons of Fargo’s exceptional local government,” remarked Commissioner Strand, who served on the committee in 2023 and 2024.
As Vice Chair of the committee, Commissioner Strand will play a key role in shaping NLC’s policy positions and advocating on behalf of America’s municipalities before Congress, with the administration and at home. In addition to Commissioner Strand, the leadership of this year’s committee will be Chair Kim Norton, Mayor of Rochester, and Vice Chair Michael O’Connor, Mayor of Frederick, Maryland.
“NLC’s federal advocacy committees are vital for uplifting the voices and needs of America’s 19,000 cities, towns and villages to decision-makers in Washington,” said National League of Cities President Sharon Weston Broome, Mayor-President of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. “I am excited to work with Commissioner Strand and look forward to supporting his vision and leadership as he leads the Human Development Federal Advocacy Committee this year and helps grow the partnership between local and federal leaders.”
Fargo Mayor Dr. Tim Mahoney stated, “The NLC consists of outstanding leaders from around the country, and they are committed to improving the lives of all residents. Commissioner Strand is an excellent choice to represent our community and help lead the Human Development Federal Advocacy Committee. We are honored to have him serving on behalf of the Fargo region.”
Visit nlc.org/advocacy/federal-advocacy-committees for more information on the NLC’s federal advocacy committees.