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 Action Center
Charged with the responsibility to act as spokesman for Arkansas’ cities and towns during the legislative sessions, the League, in accordance with the legislative policy set forth in the policy statement, assists in developing legislation of interest to all municipal governments and in following other legislation that affects cities and towns. During the session, League staff will be working on behalf of the cities and towns of Arkansas to promote and protect the interests of Arkansas municipalities. Influencing lawmakers should be considered a team effort of local municipal officials and the League staff. Working together, we can make each session a success for Arkansas municipalities.
Staying informed during the legislative session is crucial to the process. Be sure to join AML Communities to receive the weekly “Legislative Roundup” email, as well as other updates from the legislative advocacy team and League staff, and subscribe to “The LegUp” podcast below!
Legislative Priorities
During the League’s Annual Convention, the membership votes on a package of resolutions to prioritize for the upcoming legislative session. Once adopted, the resolutions are published in the Policies and Goals statement. Click here for the 2024-2025 edition of Policies and Goals. Resolutions begin on page 12.
Stay Informed
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.
All in a Day's Work
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.