NCLM 2024 Year in Review

As we reflect on 2024, it’s clear that this year has been one of remarkable progress and resilience for the North Carolina League of Municipalities. From navigating the aftermath of Hurricane Helene to celebrating significant milestones in our service programs, it’s been a year of both challenge and achievement. Here’s a look back at some of the key highlights that defined 2024 for our cities and towns.

In the wake of Hurricane Helene, the League remained steadfast in its commitment to helping municipalities recover. We supported local governments with on-the-ground assistance and offered resources aimed at long-term resilience. Over 300 claims have been processed to date, totaling approximately $45 million in covered exposures, underscoring the importance of the Property and Casualty Trust’s—administered by the League—role in disaster recovery.

Total claims reported in 2024:

• IRFFNC (Property and Causalty): 2,715
• NCIRMA(Workers’ Compensation: 1,618

The Municipal Accounting Services (MAS) program earned national recognition this year, receiving the prestigious Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) 2024 Award for Excellence in Government Finance. This award highlights the program’s innovation in addressing common challenges and promoting best practices in government finance. The MAS team also made significant strides in serving municipalities, completing 14 accounting software conversions in 2024 and continuing to support 53 towns through the conversion pipeline. The program has now successfully completed 21 accounting software conversions since its inception, helping municipalities streamline their financial operations and improve efficiency.

The League’s technical assistance programs have continued to grow, providing support for municipalities across the state. In 2024, our MAS team conducted 718 site visits to 545 unique municipalities, offering hands-on support and guidance. Beyond accounting services, we also connected 102 members to grant and legal services. Through our partnership with Witt O’Brien’s, 74 municipalities received grant consultation services, resulting in over $2 million in grants won for local governments. Additionally, 28 municipalities were linked to legal services through our collaboration with Parker Poe law firm, addressing a range of legal inquiries from public records to economic development. Read more about the accomplishments through our MAS program on page 14. 

The technical assistance for cities team also conducted multiple surveys throughout 2024, including the merit/cost-of-living adjustment survey, the budget and tax rate survey and the salary survey. 

Over 550 responses were collected from municipalities across the state, representing large cities and small towns. These survey results keep relevant and up-to-date information for members to utilize when making financial decisions from year-to-year. 

In 2024, the League launched the Accounting Instruction & Mentorship (AIM) program, providing one-on-one training and mentoring to municipal staff. The AIM program aims to improve fiscal health and resiliency in our towns and cities, equipping finance staff with practical tools such as task checklists for daily, weekly and monthly responsibilities. Seventeen towns are currently participating in the program, which continues to grow as a vital resource for local governments seeking to strengthen their financial management practices. 

The Health Benefits Trust (HBT)— administered by the League—made strides in 2024, transitioning to Aetna as the third-party administrator and bringing billing and eligibility in-house through the SIMON platform from VIMLY. 400 member groups, covering more than 10,000 lives, benefited from our comprehensive services in medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance. The HBT wellness grant program was also enhanced, with new funding opportunities tailored to the size of each group, helping members better meet their diverse needs. HBT consultants held countless benefit meetings with new and existing HR staff from member cities, towns, counties and government associations. Specifically, HBT consultants held 75 open enrollment meetings with the help of the League’s business services team and eight training webinars, which helped municipalities learn how to manage benefits more effectively. 

In addition to advocating before the NC General Assembly on behalf of cities and towns, the League’s government affairs team was hard at work with advocacy efforts in 2024 focusing on relationship-building and policy development. Over 400 municipal officials attended one of the five regional Town & State Dinner events, engaging with more than 50 legislators to discuss critical issues facing their communities. The League also launched the 2025–2026 legislative goals development process, involving extensive collaboration with members through eight listening sessions, 32 small group discussions and written submissions. This process culminated in 197 city officials and 154 municipalities contributing over 350 ideas. Of these ideas, the legislative policy committee debuted 50 distinct legislative goals that reflect the priorities of North Carolina’s cities and towns.

Additionally, our elected official affiliate groups—NC Mayors Association, NC Black Elected Municipal Officials and NC Metro Mayors Coalition—grew in membership and engaged with statewide leaders, including former Governor Roy Cooper, Governor Josh Stein, State Auditor Dave Boliek, NC Department of Environmental Quality Deputy Secretary Sushma Sizemore, and the Legislative Black Caucus to discuss key issues impacting municipalities.

The Advancing Municipal Leaders (AML) program completed its first full year of offering certificates to course participants in 2024. A total of 361 financial management certificates were awarded, each requiring six credit hours of financial courses. Additionally, 42 Diversity, Inclusion & Racial Equity for Cities & Towns (DIRECT) certificates were awarded, with recipients completing six hours of DIRECT course credit. Thirty municipal officials earned the Certificate of Municipal Achievement, which requires 12 hours of AML credit. Lastly, Goldsboro Councilman Chris Boyette earned the Certificate of Municipal Excellence, having completed 25 hours of AML credit.

The League is proud to recognize the town of Franklin and Garner for earning its Commit to Civility certification from AML. Both towns had 100% board participation in the program. This multi-step program showcases a city or town council’s pledge to civil conduct and leadership. It engages and challenges municipal officials to embrace civility throughout the course of their work within their communities.

The League’s legal department provided invaluable support to local governments, the League’s board of directors and the board of trustees throughout 2024. The team responded to 200 legal inquiries and offered educational opportunities for elected officials and municipal staff. From ethics training to understanding the scope of municipal authority, our legal team continues to be a trusted resource for guidance on a range of legal issues. League attorneys also educate municipal clerks and organize continuing legal education (CLE) opportunities for municipal attorneys. In addition, the League’s Judicial Advocacy program enjoyed success this year by offering multiple publications of Municipal Law Notes, the annual Municipal Calendar and filing a brief before the North Carolina Supreme Court. League attorneys continuously monitor cases that have a significant impact on municipalities.

Our business services team had another productive year collectively traveling 75,867 miles throughout North Carolina to meet members where they are! Business services consultants conducted 609 onsite member visits to help municipalities improve their risk management practices. Through 46 insurance claim and policy reviews, nine risk management best practices education sessions for department heads and extensive training events, they have continued to provide municipalities with the tools they need to safeguard their assets and manage risks effectively. 

In 2024, the League’s Risk Management Services (RMS) field staff conducted 1,775 consultations, offering guidance through one-on-one contacts and site visits. Law enforcement agencies benefited from eight training sessions on constitutional issues and defensive driving, while 17 Law Enforcement Agency Risk Reviews were completed, with a total of 83 police departments having finished the Risk Review. Fire departments also received support, with four Risk Reviews completed, seven more in progress and 212 consultations held. 

In addition to fire and law enforcement achievements, RMS field staff hosted 32 risk management training events, covering topics like flagger training, OSHA requirements, and driver training, while 19 HR-related training courses focused on trends, liability, recruitment and retention. Additionally, 103 police agencies utilized the League’s soft body armor grants, and 128 members, from both property and casualty and workers’ compensation pools, accessed safety grants in 2024. In total, 24,437 NeoGov classes were completed by municipal employees, further strengthening local governments’ capabilities. 

The Property and Casualty Trust also continues to provide valuable risk management resources. Sixty members of the Property and Casualty Trust participated in the League’s Employment Practices Liability Legal Mitigation program which provides members with five free hours of legal consultation per fiscal year, with the goal of mitigating risk in employment decisions and helping prevent employment claims. 

• Members in the Property & Casualty Pool: 426 
• Members in the Workers’ Compensation Pool: 477 
• Workers’ Compensation Premium Audits Completed: 475 

As we move into 2025, the League remains focused on continuing to serve municipalities across North Carolina. Our commitment to helping local governments recover from Hurricane Helene, supporting members’ financial health, advocating for legislative priorities, and providing essential legal and risk management services will remain at the forefront of our work. We look forward to another year of collaboration, education and service as we work together to strengthen the future of North Carolina’s cities and towns. 

Thank you to our members for your continued dedication and leadership. Here’s to another year of progress, innovation and community resilience.