Media Releases

PORT WENTWORTH, GA – February 19, 2026 — Mayor Pro Tem Gabrielle Nelson has been appointed to serve on multiple leadership councils and committees within the National League of Cities (NLC) for 2026, reflecting her continued commitment to advancing equity, effective governance, and the interests of small and growing communities nationwide.

Mayor Pro Tem Nelson has been appointed to the following NLC bodies for one-year terms:

• Race, Equity and Leadership (REAL) Council, where she will help guide programs and policies that promote inclusive growth and equitable outcomes for communities across the country.
• Finance, Administration and Intergovernmental Relations (FAIR) Federal Advocacy Committee, where she will contribute to shaping NLC’s federal advocacy agenda on issues including municipal finance, tax reform, federal funding, and intergovernmental relations.
• Small Cities Council, where she has been reappointed to continue advocating for small cities experiencing rapid growth and to help develop practical, scalable solutions for communities with similar demographics and challenges.
• Youth, Education, and Families Council, where she will help develop and guide programs among local elected officials from similar communities.

“These appointments reflect the importance of ensuring that growth is inclusive, governance is responsible, and small cities have a strong voice at the national level,” said Mayor Pro Tem Nelson. “Through my service with the National League of Cities, I am proud to advocate for policies that expand opportunity, strengthen local budgets, and bring innovative solutions back to Port Wentworth and Chatham County.”

Across all four roles, Mayor Pro Tem Nelson will collaborate with local elected officials from across the nation to develop policy positions, share best practices, and advance initiatives that can be replicated in cities, towns, and villages of all sizes.

The National League of Cities represents more than 19,000 cities, towns, and villages nationwide and serves as a leading voice for local governments in Washington, D.C. and beyond.

For more information on the National League of Cities and its leadership councils and federal advocacy committees, visit nlc.org.