LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY
The central purpose of the Arkansas Municipal League is to advance the interests and welfare of the people residing in the cities and towns in Arkansas. Accordingly, the League represents Arkansas’ municipalities before state and national legislative bodies. As the relationship between levels of government becomes more complex, the League continues to adapt its approach to intergovernmental relations to better represent the cities and towns of Arkansas.
The Voice of Arkansas
Charged with the responsibility to act as spokesperson for Arkansas’ cities and towns during legislative sessions, the League assists in developing legislation of interest to all municipal governments and in tracking other legislation that affects cities and towns. Influencing lawmakers is a team effort of municipal officials and the League staff. Working together, we can make each session a success for Arkansas municipalities.
Communication is essential to working together. During the session, the League communicates in a variety of ways, including a weekly “Legislative Roundup” email and accompanying podcast, “The Leg Up.” During each episode, the League’s legislative team breaks down all the major bills, catches up with a legislator, and has a roundtable discussion on the latest developments at the capitol.
It’s often crucial to the League’s efforts to be in frequent contact with the membership, and the legislative advocacy team will always communicate urgent, time-sensitive information via phone, text and or email. Sign up for the ListServ to ensure you receive regular “Legislative Roundup” dispatches from the legislative advocacy team. Visit the contact page for more information.
Join the League’s legislative advocacy team for a “Day at the Capitol.” General Counsel and Legislative Director John L. Wilkerson, Legislative Liaison Jack Critcher, and Legal Counsel Blake Gary for a walk through the capitol complex as they track a bill from introduction to signature, offering insight on parking, comfortable shoes and more along the way.