For years, the League has followed an inclusive, member-driven process to form policy positions on key issues for N.C. cities. This process is designed to take input from municipal officials in every corner of the state, and it reflects the diversity of opinion existing across North Carolina. The NCLM Board of Directors revised this process in 2020 to gain even broader participation by municipal officials.

The timing of the policy development process​​ coincides with the start of each new legislative biennium. During even-numbered years, all League members are invited to submit their ideas through focus group discussions and in writing. Ideas should fit into the League’s overarching policy focus areas, which are determined by the NCLM Board of Directors.

The League’s Legislative Policy Committee will then consider these ideas and recommend the top consensus positions to the Board of Directors. The Board refines the positions further before sending them to the full League membership for a final vote; moving forward, the vote is not required to be cast in person as in years past. At that point, the League membership will have a focused advocacy agenda to pursue at the state and federal levels.