Another Year, Another Successful CityVision

Calling the League’s annual conference—a gathering of nearly 600 local leaders, an exchange of ideas regarding emerging issues and pressing topics, and a unique chance for all cities and towns to learn from one another—simply “successful” is selling it short. The progress made at CityVision has had material impacts on communities in the past, and this year’s edition seems no different.

Taking place in Greenville from April 29–May 1, 2025, case studies took center stage in this year’s conference programming. Attendees learned from their fellow cities and towns about economic development efforts, housing solutions, zoning reforms, downtown revitalizations, transportation innovations, leadership initiatives and more.

“It’s one thing to learn from an expert and to gain new knowledge on a topic,” said League President Martha Sue Hall. “It’s quite another to get that knowledge from your peers. When it’s one city talking to another, the solutions become more practical. These are successes that have been achieved in one municipality and can now be taken to another."

Attendees had the opportunity to explore our exhibit hall at CityVision to speak directly with more than 80 vendors and League partners. The League strives to invite industry professionals who are best suited to municipal needs with the goal of finding some common solutions to cities and towns’ challenges.

State leadership also joined the engagement. CityVision was proud to host Governor Josh Stein who addressed the group during the business lunch meeting, speaking about the ongoing Hurricane Helene recovery and affordable housing. Additionally, State Auditor Dave Boliek and Attorney General Jeff Jackson each emphasized the importance of municipal leadership and spoke to the continuing partnerships between state and local government. On the final night of CityVision, Secretary of State Elaine Marshall joined members in Greenville to swear in the League’s new executive officers and board members.

CityVision opened its pre-conference sessions with the League’s Advancing Municipal Leaders (AML) program’s most sought-after courses, ‘Commit to Civility’ and ‘Ethics for Municipal Officials.’ ‘Commit to Civility,’ allows a town’s governing board to learn together the importance of collaboration, listening and working across divides, while Ethics for Municipal Officials provides state-mandated training for elected officials.

The first-ever CityVision AML Awards Ceremony recognized members who had completed AML’s certificates in municipal achievement and excellence. These awards celebrated the tireless pursuit of lifelong learning. It was a proud moment for many—and a reminder that strong leadership starts with a commitment to continuous growth.

Greenville rose to the occasion as CityVision host city in 2025, not only by providing wonderful accommodations for the day’s sessions and events, but also by offering city-wide excursions. CityVision attendees embarked on a number of mobile tours, including a look at a local technology center, tours of local parks and greenways, the African American Cultural Trail and a behind-the-scenes look at MrBeast’s local studio.

The League wants to thank all CityVision attendees for their presence and involvement at our annual conference. Through sharing your experiences, brainstorming solutions to pressing concerns and building out the network of municipal leadership in this state, you are supporting all cities and towns. The League’s motto is “Working as One. Advancing All.” Nowhere is that more true than at CityVision.

Save the date for CityVision 2026 in Raleigh, May 5–7, 2026!