LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY
The central purpose of the Arkansas Municipal League is to advance the interests and welfare of the people residing in the cities and towns in Arkansas. Accordingly, the League represents Arkansas’ municipalities before state and national legislative bodies. As the relationship between levels of government becomes more complex, the League continues to adapt its approach to intergovernmental relations to better represent the cities and towns of Arkansas.
The Voice of Arkansas
Charged with the responsibility to act as spokesperson for Arkansas’ cities and towns during legislative sessions, the League assists in developing legislation of interest to all municipal governments and in tracking other legislation that affects cities and towns. Influencing lawmakers is a team effort of municipal officials and the League staff. Working together, we can make each session a success for Arkansas municipalities.
Legislative Roundtables
With the 95th General Assembly on the horizon, the League invites mayors, city managers and city administrators to attend an upcoming roundtable discussion with our legislative advocacy team. John Wilkerson, Jack Critcher and Blake Gary will discuss the League’s recently approved resolutions, as well as our priorities and goals for the session. Your participation is essential as we continue to strengthen relationships with our legislators and work together to communicate the issues important to our members and the communities they lead.
Members of the General Assembly have been invited to attend and participate.
Each roundtable is scheduled from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Boxed lunches will be available for attendees who RSVP 48 hours before the event. Unfortunately, we are not able to accommodate dietary requests.
RSVP
To RSVP, email [email protected] with the subject line: “RSVP to event location (Harrison, Springdale, Fort Smith, Hope, Monticello or Forrest City)”.
For More Information
Valerie Shively, Director of Events and Special Projects, 501-978-6121
John Wilkerson, General Counsel and Legislative Director, 501-978-6136
For event-specific questions, please contact the League field representative listed below.
Harrison | Thursday, Sept. 5
Council Room, City Hall, 118 Industrial Park Road
Contact: Jackie Crabtree, 501-350-1259
Springdale | Friday, Sept. 6
Shiloh Museum of Ozark History, 118 W. Johnson Avenue
Contact: Phillip Patterson, 501-580-4871
Fort Smith | Tuesday, Sept. 24
Peak Innovation Center, 5900 Painter Lane
Contact: Phillip Patterson, 501-580-4871
Hope | Wednesday, Oct. 2
Hempstead Hall, UA Hope-Texarkana, 2500 S. Main Street
Contact: Catherine Cook, 501-350-3965
Monticello | Thursday, Oct. 3
Sadie T. Johnson Community Building, 707 US-278 E.
Contact: JoAnne H. Bush, 501-297-3714
Forrest City | Friday, Oct. 4
Civic Center, 1335 N. Washington Street
Contact: Steve Dixon, 501-993-5543
Communication is essential to working together. During the session, the League communicates in a variety of ways, including a weekly “Legislative Roundup” email and accompanying podcast, “The Leg Up.” During each episode, the League’s legislative team breaks down all the major bills, catches up with a legislator, and has a roundtable discussion on the latest developments at the capitol.
It’s often crucial to the League’s efforts to be in frequent contact with the membership, and the legislative advocacy team will always communicate urgent, time-sensitive information via phone, text and or email. Sign up for the ListServ to ensure you receive regular “Legislative Roundup” dispatches from the legislative advocacy team. Visit the contact page for more information.
Join the League’s legislative advocacy team for a “Day at the Capitol.” General Counsel and Legislative Director John L. Wilkerson, Legislative Liaison Jack Critcher, and Legal Counsel Blake Gary for a walk through the capitol complex as they track a bill from introduction to signature, offering insight on parking, comfortable shoes and more along the way.