This summer, I learned that public interest communications is much more than managing urgent crises, it’s about telling the full story of local leadership. Everyday wins often go unnoticed, but for local leaders, sharing these stories can make the difference between surviving and thriving.
City officials face constant demands – from natural disasters and national tragedies, to new funding opportunities and community celebrations. They are expected to respond quickly and effectively, often with limited resources and unclear guidance. In these instances, organizations like the National League of Cities (NLC) play a crucial role by relentlessly advocating for these leaders through influencing federal policy, strengthening local leadership, and driving innovative solutions. However, what stood out to me most in NLC’s approach is how communication is embedded in everything they do. They don’t just show up in times of crisis; they’re also there when something beautiful is being built.
One project that stood out this summer in particular was Arts & Health Day on July 26th. Leading up to the event, NLC shared a video series spotlighting cities using art to improve the health, cohesion, and resilience of their communities:
- In Loveland, Colorado, stroke survivors partnered with a city museum to use art as a tool for recovery.
- In Providence, Rhode Island, the Providence Housing Authority embedded resident artists into their public housing communities
- In Tampa, Florida, a 46-mile-long art “soulwalk” celebrates the city’s diverse cultural heritage.
These stories aren’t just uplifting; they’re powerful examples of communities celebrating what’s possible when art and collaboration go hand-in-hand. Alongside the videos, NLC shared social media toolkits so communities nationwide could amplify their own creativity and health initiatives. By spotlighting these successes, we helped leaders see that art can be a serious strategy for inclusion, healing, and lasting change.
Another project I contributed to focused on community project funding requests, also known as Congressionally Directed Spending. I researched several initiatives like new fire stations and youth centers, and interviewed local officials to understand what the funding meant for their communities. Their responses were often personal, speaking to the struggles they have seen in their communities and challenges they’re working to solve.
Using the insights gathered from these interviews, NLC is launching a blog series to spotlight these projects. The goal is to show how communities are successfully leveraging this funding, and inspire other cities and towns to pursue similar requests to meet their local needs.
As my fellowship comes to a close, one lesson stands out: public interest communications isn’t just a tool for crisis management, but a strategic force for lasting positive change. Focusing only on crisis misses half the picture. Instead, telling the stories of everyday wins like creative arts initiatives, cross-sector partnerships, and community investments help sustain local momentum and inspire action. Communications is about amplifying all stories of resilience, innovation, and hope – not just those born in emergencies.