Helena Celebrates National League of Cities 100th Anniversary

Published on April 23, 2024

HELENA, Mont. – At the Monday (April 22) City Commission Meeting, Mayor Wilmot Collins proclaimed May 2024 “National Cities, Towns, and Villages Month” in recognition of the importance of local government service. The proclamation is part of a national effort to uplift municipal governments led by the National League of Cities (NLC), a nonpartisan organization comprised of city, town and village leaders focused on improving the quality of life for their current and future residents.

As the proclamation states, “local governments are the bedrock of American democracy, providing 336 million residents with the most accountable, responsive, inclusive, ethical, and transparent government in the world.” The proclamation goes on to note, “from the nation’s smallest villages to its largest cities, America’s local governments have been essential in transforming the United States of America in to the greatest, most influential nation in world history.”

National Cities, Towns, and Villages Month is part of the year-long centennial celebration of the National League of Cities, which was founded in 1924. Today, NLC provides local leaders resources to help govern and advocates on behalf of the nation’s cities, towns, and villages in Washington, DC. Helena is a member of the National League of Cities.

“NLC’s historic 100th anniversary is a chance to reflect on the contributions local governments have made, look ahead to the next 100 years, and thank the mayors, city councilmembers, and staff who have dedicated themselves to leading our communities,” said NLC CEO and Executive Director Clarence Anthony. “Stepping up to serve your community is a sacrifice, and oftentimes a thankless one. So let us honor our local public servants.”

Throughout May 2024, hundreds of local governments are issuing similar proclamations, and will be ringing bells on May 22 to commemorate the occasion.

Click Here to Read the Proclamation(PDF, 1MB)