Town & State Dinner Links State and Municipal Leaders

More than 400 League members and state legislators attended the League’s Town & State Dinner, held in Raleigh in late February. The event provides a chance for state and local leaders to break bread and discuss policy issues, further strengthening their relationships. The event featured Q&A sessions with Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger and Senate Democratic Leader Sydeney Batch, and House Speaker Destin Hall and House Democratic Leader Robert Reives.

As in the past, this year's Town & State Dinner focused on a shared purpose of state and municipal officials cooperatively addressing the challenges faced in communities across the state.

In his comments, then League President and Durham Mayor Pro Tem Mark-Anthony Middleton noted how much North Carolina has accomplished over the past few years through state and local cooperation and investment when it comes to addressing infrastructure needs. “We see it in water and wastewater investments that allow our cities and towns to grow. We see it in roads and streets that allow people to get to work and for commerce to flow. We see it in amenities, like parks, that make our cities and towns attractive places to live, raise families and open businesses,” he said.

Middleton emphasized how the diversity of communities represented in the room provide a true strength in addressing policy issues and in making the economy strong.

“As you look across the room tonight, our legislators represent large cities and small towns, and all those in between. It is the same for all the elected municipal officials here tonight,” he said. “From Murphy to Manteo, we represent large cities and small towns, suburbs and exurbs. Each of these communities is a reflection of the diverse visions that elected officials, acting on behalf of their residents, build to accommodate their needs. We have said it before. That diversity of vision is a strength. It allows us to learn from each other."

Attendees saw a video that featured municipal officials from around the state explaining how the League’s Municipal Accounting Services program had assisted their communities in improving financial and other operations. It made the point that the programs, made possible with an appropriation from the General Assembly, ultimately allow towns across the state to provide more efficient services to their residents.

During the Q&A sessions, then League First Vice-President and Albemarle Mayor Pro Tem Martha Sue Hall and Second Vice President and Clayton Mayor Jody McLeod quizzed the legislative leaders about subjects ranging from Helene disaster assistance to predictions about the legislative session budget negotiations and length.

Senate leader Berger discussed the need to assist communities devastated by Hurricane Helene but also for the state not to duplicate recovery efforts being provided by the federal government. All of the legislative leaders attending indicated that Helene recovery is a top priority.

Other topics discussed included the state budget and a likely timetable for its approval, the state’s larger financial picture and land-use planning authority and housing.

As always, the League thanks legislators and League members for their attendance at this important event promoting relationship-building.