Fargo City Commissioner John Strand has been reappointed to the National League of Cities (NLC) Human Development Federal Advocacy Committee for 2026, after serving as the committee’s Vice Chair in 2025. Commissioner Strand will provide strategic direction and guidance for NLC’s federal advocacy agenda and policy priorities on workforce development, education, early childhood, public health care, mental health parity and immigration reform. The reappointment was announced by NLC President Kevin Kramer, Councilmember of Louisville, Kentucky.
“I’m honored to serve on the National League of Cities Human Development Federal Advocacy Committee. I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity to work with local leaders from across the country on issues that directly affect our residents,” stated Commissioner Strand, who served on the committee in 2023, 2024 and 2025. “I look forward to sharing Fargo’s perspective while continuing to learn from colleagues in other cities.”
As a member of NLC’s Human Development Committee, Commissioner Strand will play a key role in shaping NLC’s policy positions and advocate on behalf of America’s cities, towns and villages before Congress, with the administration and at home in Fargo, North Dakota.
“The National League of Cities’ federal advocacy committees are the voice of America’s 19,000 cities, towns and villages to leaders in Washington,” said NLC President Kevin Kramer. “I am thrilled to work with Commissioner Strand and look forward to supporting his goals and ideas as he serves on the Human Development Committee this year, helping to strengthen the partnership between local and federal leaders.”
The leadership of this year’s committee will consist of Chair Danielle Trumble, Mayor of Morgantown, West Virginia; Vice Chair Michael O’Connor, Mayor of Frederick, Maryland; and Vice Chair Berdetta Hodge, Councilmember of Tempe, Arizona.
Fargo Mayor Dr. Tim Mahoney stated, “The National League of Cities brings together some of the most dedicated municipal leaders in the country, all focused on improving quality of life in their communities. Commissioner Strand is a strong advocate for Fargo, and we are proud to have him representing our city on the Human Development Federal Advocacy Committee.”
For more information on the NLC’s federal advocacy committees, visit NLC.org/Advocacy/Federal-Advocacy-Committees.