Savannah Standard

City of Savannah Post 1 At-Large Alderwoman Carol Bell has been elected to the National League of Cities (NLC) Women in Municipal Government (WIMG) Board. She will serve a two-year term aimed at developing and guiding programs for female local elected officials and their allies.

As part of the WIMG Board, Bell is expected to collaborate with other local leaders to foster networking and create resources beneficial to communities across the United States. The election took place during the WIMG membership meeting at the 2024 City Summit in Tampa, Florida.

"Women In Municipal Government (WIMG) is important to Savannah because it affords members from across the country an opportunity to come together and discuss issues and solutions in their individual communities that often have applicability in other cities,” said Bell. “It is so important for women to be represented at the leadership table because they bring a different perspective and inclusion when addressing community issues."

National League of Cities President Steve Patterson, Mayor of Athens, Ohio, highlighted the importance of diverse representation among local leaders. “It is crucial that we bring together local leaders that are representative of all communities to share solutions, and challenges from their hometowns, which are used to develop NLC policies and programs," he stated. He further noted that Bell's experience would help ensure cities have the necessary resources to enhance community life.

This year's council leadership includes President Adriana Rocha Garcia, Councilmember from San Antonio, Texas; First Vice President Lisa Ford, Councilor from Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; and Second Vice President Amy Shuler Goodwin, Mayor of Charleston, West Virginia.

For more information on WIMG activities and initiatives, individuals can visit the organization's website.

The National League of Cities comprises city, town, and village leaders focused on improving residents' quality of life. With over 100 years dedicated to strengthening local governments, NLC represents more than 2,700 cities nationwide. Its mission is to advocate for cities by influencing federal policy and fostering innovative solutions.