I’ve lived in many different cities throughout my life, big and small, rural, and urban, and mostly across the Midwest and East Coast. Each city had its own character and culture, but one constant I hadn’t truly appreciated until now was the presence of local leaders passionate about their communities. I’ve attended city hall meetings and spoken with local officials before, but their work often felt like background noise–important, but not something I interacted with directly.
Through this fellowship and my placement with the National League of Cities, I’ve come to understand how deeply local government shapes everything around us: the roads we take, the neighborhoods we live in, and the services we rely on. Local government isn’t just policy, it’s people and everyday life.
Before this summer, I had a general interest in communications and a basic understanding that good messaging can turn an idea into action. However, working with NLC’s Digital Engagement, Marketing, and Communications (DEMC) team has shown me how complex, strategic, and impactful public interest communications really is. The right words, visuals, and timing can help a city replicate success, secure funding, or foster a sense of community belonging.
In just a couple of weeks, I’ve had the opportunity to work across multiple teams on various projects. I collaborated with the LEAD team to write a series of Q&A-style blogs for Arts & Health Day, highlighting creative initiatives in three cities and the ways art can serve as a tool for community well-being. I’ve also been supporting our Summer of Savings and Solutions campaign, drafting social media content spotlighting NLC’s Enterprise Partners and how their tools and resources support local governments.
With the Federal Advocacy team, I’ve researched community project funding (also known as congressionally directed spending) to prepare for a blog series. These upcoming pieces will showcase how different cities, towns, and villages across the country are using federal funding to create positive impacts in their communities–and hopefully inspire other municipalities to do the same.
On a more day-to-day level, I’ve reviewed and edited newsletters, created and scheduled social posts, and sourced photos for various guides and publications. Through this work, I’ve learned that no detail is too small when it comes to effective communication. A headline can determine whether someone interacts or scrolls past. A shift in tone, too casual or partisan, can change how the audience receives the message or even whether they trust it at all. I’ve also learned how easily jargon can alienate readers, especially when the purpose is to make complex policies accessible. Even choosing a photo isn’t neutral; imagery can shape how the message is received. Every small decision adds up, and an overlooked detail can cause an entire strategy to fall flat.
A communication strategy is built of many moving parts, which is why one of the most valuable experiences of my summer has been shadowing different communications liaisons each week. I’ve seen how messaging can shift based on audience needs and how important it is to think intentionally about content: Who are we trying to reach? What do they need to know? How can we make local communities feel seen and supported?
At the halfway mark of my fellowship, my view of communications has shifted. Rather than seeing it mostly as a tool to inform, I’ve experienced firsthand how it can empower. Through my work and more broadly the work of NLC, I’ve seen how spotlighting local leaders, simplifying policy, and amplifying underrepresented voices can build stronger, more resilient communities.
I’ve also learned that every small detail in a strategy is the difference between ineffective and effective communication. As I move into the second half of my summer, I’m excited to keep learning, growing, and putting my new skills into practice as I support the people and places shaping the nation’s future.