Savannah Standard

City of Savannah Mayor Pro Tem, Alderwoman Dr. Estella Edwards Shabazz, has been appointed to the National League of Cities (NLC) 2025 Community and Economic Development Committee. The announcement was made by NLC President Steve Patterson, who is also the Mayor of Athens, Ohio.

Dr. Shabazz will serve a one-year term on the committee, where she will contribute to shaping NLC’s federal advocacy agenda and policy priorities related to housing, community development, and economic opportunity.

“It is a great honor to be nominated to this committee,” Shabazz stated. “I am thrilled to share my experience working on housing and economic development here in Savannah with other community leaders. Together, we will continue our advocacy for fair housing practices, affordable housing projects, and economic development initiatives that create a better future for residents here in Savannah and across the nation.”

In her role on the committee, Dr. Shabazz will help shape NLC’s policy positions and advocate for cities, towns, and villages across America before Congress and within her home city of 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," said Patterson. “I am excited to work with Mayor Pro Tem, Dr. Shabazz this year to help strengthen the relationships between local and federal leaders.”

The 2025 NLC Community and Economic Development Committee will be chaired by Jeffrey L. Boney from Missouri City, Texas; with Michael Lombardo from Pittston, Pennsylvania; and Cindy Silva from Walnut Creek, California serving as vice chairs.