HARRISONBURG, VA (Rocktown Now) – Members of Harrisonburg City Council are currently participating in key National League of Cities (NLC) committees, providing their expertise on a number of vital areas of interest and representing The Friendly City beside elected leaders from across the country.

The NLC University Communities Council (UCC) – which according to its website works to connect elected municipal officials from university communities and foster a spirt of cooperation
between universities, colleges and local governments – selected Vice Mayor Dany Fleming as committee chair.

As committee chair, Fleming will play a key role among a diverse group of leaders to encourage collaboration, networking and the development of resources and programs beneficial to communities that can be replicated across the country.

“As both cities and universities adapt to changes, it’s critical that we work together to build and maintain healthy communities,” Fleming said in a press release. “The UCC allows us to learn and share ideas with each other.”

Mayor Deanna Reed, who has long played a key role in university/City relations since joining Harrisonburg City Council, also serves as a member of the UCC.

“Harrisonburg City Council is committed to transforming Harrisonburg into a thriving educational epicenter, and a hub of innovation, technology and entrepreneurship, thanks to our partnerships with James Madison University, Eastern Mennonite University and Blue Ridge Community College,” Reed said. “Working together with other communities like ours in the UCC will
help us take further steps toward accomplishing the City’s vision.”

Fleming and Councilmember Monica Robinson are members of the NLC 2025 Race Equity and Leadership (REAL) Council. The REAL Council provides guidance to members on efforts that address the impact of race and equity issues in their communities, according to the NLC website, offering tangible insights and opportunities to apply a racial equity lens within cities.

“Harrisonburg City Council believes that our community is A City For All – a harmonious place where differences are embraced, celebrated and accommodated,” Robinson said. “Having a seat on the Race Equity And Leadership Council will allow Harrisonburg to be part of the conversation about how cities like ours ensure all people in our communities feel safe and valued, and that they have abundant opportunity.”

Robinson also is a member of the NLC Community and Economic Development Advocacy Committee.

Councilmember Laura Dent continues to serve on the NLC Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Federal Action Committee, which is responsible for developing policy and leading NLC’s advocacy on infrastructure and sustainability-related issues such as water infrastructure and water quality, air quality, energy, climate change, solid and hazardous waste management, local food systems and public lands, according to the NLC website.

For Dent, who has long championed protecting natural assets and reducing climate change impacts, the committee is an opportunity to bring new ideas to the community.

“As a representative from a city that values community resiliency and protecting the environment, I am very grateful to be a member of a committee focused on many of the ideals that Harrisonburg holds dear,” Dent said. “I am enthusiastic to continue working closely with other national members of this committee to learn more about ways we can invest in renewable energy, sustainable assets and infrastructure here in Harrisonburg that will help establish a strong foundation for our future.”

In addition to his NLC involvement, which also includes a seat on the Finance, Administration & Intergovernmental Relations Federal Action Committee, Vice Mayor Fleming was appointed as chair of the Virginia Municipal League’s (VML) Infrastructure, Transportation and Environmental Quality Policy Committee (ITEQ). The committee receives important issue briefings in each of these key areas and develops legislative recommendations for the VML as it advocates on behalf of Virginia’s cities, towns and villages.