Small Town vs. Big Government
Clarence Anthony from the National League of Cities comes to the front of the class to discuss the ongoing tension between federal, state and local governments. The discussion includes a lesson on preemption in which the federal or state government overrule local governments.
Our Guest
Clarence E. Anthony is CEO and Executive Director of the National League of Cities (NLC), the largest and oldest organization representing America's cities and their leaders. Under his leadership, NLC has advanced policies that expand local control and provide direct funding for local programs related to public safety, infrastructure, transportation, and sustainability.Mr. Anthony began his career in public service as the Mayor of South Bay, FL, for 24 years. He is known as a creative and thoughtful leader in his community. He is considered an expert in citizen engagement and techniques that build a "sense of community" within cities. Mr. Anthony has been on the forefront of politics in the United States and internationally for the past 20 years, culminating with productive presidencies of the Florida League of Cities and the National League of Cities (NLC), respectively.
Reading List
Preemption conflicts between state and local governments - Ballotpedia
City Rights in an Era of Preemption: A State-by-State Analysis (2018 report analyzing state preemption of local authority on seven issues)
Homeward Bound: The Road to Affordable Housing (2019 report from the National League of Cities National Task Force on Housing, which was chaired by Washington, D.c. Mayor Muriel Bowser)
Responding to Racial Tension in Your City: A Municipal Action Guide (2019 guide from the National League of Cities Race, Equity and Leadership team)
A Prescription for Action: Local Leadership in Ending the Opioid Crisis (2016 report from the National League of Cities and National Association from a task force of city and county officials that provides local, state and federal recommendations)