By Gov1 Staff
WASHINGTON — Mayors across the United States have identified economic development, infrastructure, and housing as their top priorities, according to the 2024 State of the Cities report released by the National League of Cities (NLC). This annual report provides insights into the major concerns facing local governments and the strategies leaders are using to address these issues.
The report found that 32% of mayoral addresses centered on economic and workforce development, followed by infrastructure (24%), housing (14%), public safety (10%), and public health (9%). For the first time in the report’s 11-year history, housing ranked among the top three concerns, reflecting the growing urgency around affordable housing.
Public sentiment data included in the report shows that these priorities align closely with residents’ concerns. Infrastructure, economic development, and housing were noted as key policy areas by communities nationwide. NLC CEO Clarence E. Anthony emphasized the close alignment between the concerns of residents and local government, noting that this responsiveness may explain why local governments are highly trusted.
Mayors are tackling these challenges through a range of strategies, including efforts to revitalize downtowns, attract businesses, and improve housing affordability. For further details on these strategies, the full report is available for download on the NLC website.
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