Birmingham Welcomes National Municipal Leaders for NBC-LEO Summer Conference Kickoff

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Leaders from cities across the country gathered Wednesday evening at the Birmingham Museum of Art as the City of Birmingham officially welcomed attendees to the 2026 National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials (NBC-LEO) Summer Conference, hosted by the National League of Cities (NLC).

The welcome reception served as the opening event for the four-day conference, which brings together Black mayors, council members, commissioners, municipal staff, and community leaders to exchange ideas, strengthen partnerships, and address issues impacting communities nationwide. This year’s conference theme, “Rooted in Community, Delivering Together: Black Local Leaders in Action,” reflects the organization’s commitment to collaborative leadership and community-focused solutions. (National League of Cities)

Guests attending the Birmingham Museum of Art reception were welcomed by signage highlighting the evening’s kickoff before networking with colleagues from across the United States. According to the event program, attendees gathered for an evening of fellowship before hearing welcome remarks from several distinguished leaders.

The program included:

• Wardine Alexander, President of the Birmingham City Council, who welcomed guests on behalf of the City of Birmingham.
• Mayor Randall L. Woodfin, who greeted visitors and highlighted Birmingham’s continued role as a city committed to innovation, collaboration, and civic leadership.
• Greg Cochran, Executive Director of the Alabama League of Municipalities.
• Clarence E. Anthony, CEO and Executive Director of the National League of Cities.
• Jefferson County Commissioner Sheila Tyson brought greetings on behalf of Jefferson County before attendees were treated to a musical performance by one of Birmingham’s top recording artists, Yung Vokalz.

The reception also provided attendees an opportunity to network while enjoying Birmingham hospitality before the conference officially began.

The 2026 National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials (NBC-LEO) Summer Conference spans four days of leadership development, policy discussions, and networking opportunities for municipal leaders from across the country. The conference opened on Wednesday with registration, board meetings, and welcome activities before transitioning into two full days of keynote presentations, educational workshops, leadership forums, committee meetings, mobile tours of Birmingham, and networking receptions. Friday’s agenda features policy discussions, community engagement sessions, and special recognition events, while Saturday concludes with the NBC-LEO General Membership Meeting, closing sessions, and conference adjournment. Throughout the week, attendees are exploring topics such as economic development, housing, public safety, workforce development, civic leadership, and strategies for building stronger, more resilient communities.

Founded in 1970, the National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials (NBC-LEO) is one of six constituency groups within the National League of Cities. The organization serves as a national forum where African American municipal leaders can collaborate on public policy, leadership development, and strategies that strengthen cities, towns, and villages. NBC-LEO advocates for equitable policies, promotes leadership opportunities, and encourages peer-to-peer learning among elected officials serving communities across the country. (National League of Cities)

Throughout the conference, participants will engage in workshops, panel discussions, mobile tours, and policy conversations focused on issues including public safety, housing, economic opportunity, and community development. The event provides municipal leaders with practical strategies they can bring back to their hometowns while also creating opportunities to build relationships with colleagues facing similar challenges. (National League of Cities)

Hosting the conference further reinforces Birmingham’s growing reputation as a destination for national meetings and leadership conferences. Beyond showcasing the city’s cultural institutions and hospitality, the event is expected to generate economic activity for local hotels, restaurants, transportation providers, and small businesses while placing Birmingham at the center of conversations about the future of local government and community leadership. (Alabama Political Reporter)

As attendees continue their time in Birmingham, the conference will feature leadership development sessions, policy workshops, and collaborative discussions designed to equip local elected officials with new ideas and innovative approaches for serving their communities.

Center Point Mayor Bobby Scott serves as the 2025–2026 President of the National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials (NBC-LEO), leading the national organization that represents African American municipal leaders across the United States.

Timothy A. Evans is the Director of Member Services & Engagement for the National League of Cities, where he works with municipal leaders nationwide to build stronger communities through leadership development, strategic partnerships, and innovative local government solutions. A respected leader in public policy and economic development, Evans has more than 15 years of experience helping cities foster collaboration, strengthen civic engagement, and drive economic growth.

Find out more at https://www.nlc.org/events/2026-national-black-caucus-of-local-elected-officials-nbc-leo-summer-conference/