Savannah Standard

City of Savannah Alderman Kurtis Purtee has been appointed to the National League of Cities (NLC) 2025 Public Safety and Crime Prevention Federal Advocacy Committee. The announcement was made by NLC President Steve Patterson, who is also the Mayor of Athens, Ohio.

Alderman Purtee will serve a one-year term on the committee. He will contribute strategic direction and guidance for NLC’s federal advocacy agenda and policy priorities related to crime prevention, corrections, substance abuse, gun violence, municipal fire policy, juvenile justice, disaster preparedness, response and recovery, and homeland security.

“I am excited and elated to once again serve on this committee,” Purtee stated. “We will continue to promote safe communities and place public safety as a priority across the country and right here in Savannah. I look forward to working with our federal leaders to make that happen.”

In his role on the committee, Alderman Purtee will be instrumental in shaping NLC’s policy positions. He will advocate for cities, towns, and villages across America before Congress and within the administration while maintaining his responsibilities in Savannah.

“NLC’s federal advocacy committees play a crucial role in advancing the policies and priorities of America’s 19,000 cities, towns, and villages with federal policymakers," Patterson noted. “I am excited to work with Alderman Purtee this year to help strengthen the relationships between local and federal leaders.”

The leadership team for this year's committee includes Chair Brian Kazy from Cleveland City Council; Vice Chair Dontario Hardy from Kinston; Vice Chair Nic Hunter from Lake Charles; and LaShay Harris from Rochester.

The National League of Cities is dedicated to improving life quality for constituents through strong local governance. It represents over 2,700 cities nationwide by advocating for their interests at the federal level.