NCLM Volume 71, Issue 1, 2021

NCLM.ORG 11 Advocacy at the legislature, guided by these Municipal Legislative Goals, is among the League’s most important pursuits. Photo credit: Ben Brown. Legislative Update • Reduce pressure on property tax payers by expanding locally- controlled options for revenue generation. • Ensure state funding for any new, state-mandated benefits for municipal employees. Resilient Infrastructure • Grant local governments the authority to build broadband infra- structure in order to partner with private providers and provide additional funding to help close the digital divide. • Create a permanent and adequate funding stream for local infrastructure needs. • Provide funding to keep aging water and sewer systems finan- cially solvent today and viable for the future. Racial Equity • Improve state-wide funding and support for LEO training fo- cused on use of force, mental health, and de-escalation skills. • Increase public safety grant funding and expand allowable uses. Vibrant Communities and Neighborhoods • Revitalize vacant and abandoned properties with enhanced legal tools and funding. • Increase state and federal funding for affordable housing. Adaptive Municipal Operations • Extend notification timeline for any changes to sales tax reve- nue disbursement.