Tempe, AZ - Councilmember Doreen Garlid has been appointed to Vice Chair of the National League of Cities (NLC) 2023 Human Development federal advocacy committee.

Garlid was elected to a one-year term and will provide strategic direction and guidance for NLC’s federal advocacy agenda and policy priorities. Among those priorities are workforce development, education, healthcare (including mental health and substance use), poverty and income support, seniors and immigration. The appointment was announced by NLC President Mayor Victoria Woodards of Tacoma, Washington.

“I am humbled by this opportunity to take a leading role in the conversation about how best to serve the needs of increasingly diverse communites—both here at home and across the U.S.,” Garlid said. “In this position, I plan to share Tempe’s innovative approach to systemic issues, while gathering best practices from those working in the biggest cities and smallest towns.”

“We know that problems such as homelessness, access to affordable housing and quality healthcare do not end at our city’s borders,” she said. “Only by working together can we confront these generational challenges as we seek to make all of our communities stronger and more resilient.”

As Vice Chair of the committee, Garlid will play a key role in shaping NLC’s policy positions and advocate on behalf of America’s cities, towns and villages before Congress, with the administration and at home.

Garlid’s responsibilities with NLC’s Human Development committee align with her work as a member of the City Council and co-chair of Tempe’s Human Services and Community Safety Council Committee.

Since joining the City Council in 2020, Garlid has advocated for strengthening the city’s community health and human services by enhancing homeless solutions, expanding affordable housing, increasing investments in CARE 7 youth specialists and working to ensure community feeling of safety. Garlid, who is the first elected Native American on the City Council, also was a key figure in passing the city’s land acknowledgement resolution.

“NLC’s federal advocacy committees are a key tool for gathering insights directly from the communities that our members serve,” said NLC President Mayor Victoria Woodards of Tacoma, Washington. “I am excited to have Councilmember Garlid serve as part of the leadership of the Human Development Federal Advocacy Committee and look forward to working with her to ensure every city, town and village in this nation has the resources they need to thrive.”

Garlid is joined on the committee by Chair Steve Williams, Mayor, Huntington, WV and Vice Chair Adriana Rocha Garcia, Councilmember, San Antonio, TX.  

Find more information on NLC’s federal advocacy committees here. 

“I am humbled by this opportunity to take a leading role in the conversation about how best to serve the needs of increasingly diverse communites—both here at home and across the U.S. In this position, I plan to share Tempe’s innovative approach to systemic issues, while gathering best practices from those working in the biggest cities and smallest towns.” - Councilmember Doreen Garlid

Media contact: Susie Steckner, [email protected] or 480-734-5186.

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