CML staff attend NLC state league workshop

Three CML staff members — Executive Assistant Lara Larkin, Municipal Research Analyst Maeve McHugh, and Legislative and Policy Advocate Owen Brigner — attended the National League of Cities’ State League Staff Workshop last month in Phoenix, Arizona.

The workshop brought together municipal league staff from across the country representing a variety of professional roles and areas of expertise. Despite differences among states and leagues, attendees found common ground in the work that matters most: understanding members’ needs, providing valuable resources and services, and helping local officials succeed in serving their communities.

Sessions covered topics including best practices for artificial intelligence, using data to strengthen member engagement, developing publications that better serve municipal officials, and enhancing state-level advocacy.

While the workshop offered a variety of timely and engaging sessions, some of its greatest value came from the opportunity to exchange ideas directly with colleagues from other state leagues. Larkin connected with other league professionals on ways to enhance member services and strengthen engagement with municipal officials. Brigner exchanged ideas with other leagues’ advocacy teams on innovative ways to build on CML’s work at the state Capitol to defend and promote municipal interests. McHugh also shared CML’s own expertise, presenting during a session on data collection and strategies for effectively surveying members.

CML is grateful for the opportunity to participate in NLC’s State League Staff Workshop. The ideas, strategies, and relationships developed in Phoenix will inform our work as we continue to strengthen CML’s research, advocacy, communications, and service to Colorado’s cities and towns.