EVANSTON, IL – The National League of Cities (NLC) has announced the reappointment of Evanston 5th Ward Alderman Robin Rue Simmons to its Community and Economic Development federal advocacy committee.

The NLC's Community and Economic Development committee is responsible for helping to develop the organization's federal policy positions on issues involving housing, community and economic development, land use, recreation and parks, historic preservation, and international competitiveness. Ald. Rue Simmons previously served as a member of the 2018 committee.

“I am honored to be reappointed to the National League of Cities Community and Economic Development federal advocacy committee,” said Ald. Rue Simmons. “Serving on the committee has been helpful in working towards our 5^th Ward goals, including preserving the Foster School building, supporting local businesses with façade improvements and entrepreneurship grants, increasing homeownership, growing living wage jobs, and improving programming at the Gibbs-Morrison Cultural Center and our neighborhood parks.”

NLC President Karen Freeman-Wilson, mayor of Gary, Indiana, announced Ald. Rue Simmons' appointment to the 2019 committee. As a committee member, Ald. Rue Simmons will continue to play a key role in shaping NLC’s policy positions and advocate on behalf of America’s cities and towns before Congress, with the administration, and at home.

“It’s critical to meet with our representatives in Congress to share the needs of our families and businesses, and to stay informed of federal resources,” said Ald. Rue Simmons. “I look forward to continuing my service on the committee to advocate for America’s cities and working with City of Evanston staff and the 5^th Ward community to achieve our goals in Evanston.”

The leadership of this year’s committee will consist of Chair Laurie-Anne Sayles, councilmember, Gaithersburg, Maryland; Vice Chair Kristopher Dahir, councilmember, Sparks, Nevada; and Vice Chair Kevin Thompson, councilmember, Mesa, Arizona.

For more information on NLC’s federal advocacy committees, visit: www.nlc.org/advocacy/committees.