National League of Cities Kicks Off ‘Roadshow’ Celebrating Organization’s 100th Anniversary in Lawrence, KS

First Roadshow Stop to Take Place at the University of Kansas, Site of NLC’s Founding in 1924

LAWRENCE, KS – One hundred years ago, in 1924, the National League of Cities (NLC) was founded in Lawrence, Kansas at the University of Kansas in the original Fraser Hall. To commemorate this historic milestone, NLC, the University of Kansas School of Public Affairs and Administration (SPAA), the League of Kansas Municipalities, and the City of Lawrence will be convening at the University of Kansas for a day-long celebration followed by a half-day visit to the League of Kansas Municipalities in Topeka.

As the site of NLC’s founding, Lawrence, Kansas will serve as the first stop in a nationwide roadshow organized by NLC. The roadshow will include stops at 100 cities in every region of the country, culminating at NLC’s City Summit conference in Tampa, FL in November 2024.

“It’s an honor to kick off the National League of Cities’ Centennial Roadshow in Lawrence, Kansas, where this great organization was founded,” said Clarence Anthony, CEO and Executive Director of the National League of Cities. “Having the opportunity to gather at the University of Kansas allows us to reflect on NLC’s history and look ahead to the opportunities the next 100 years will bring for America’s cities, towns, and villages. After beginning our roadshow in Lawrence, we’ll be traveling from coast-to-coast, visiting cities of all sizes to celebrate all that local governments and their residents have given to our country over the last century.”

National League of Cities History

In 1924, ten state leagues were brought together by John Stutz at the University of Kansas to create a new, national organization to serve as a clearinghouse for information about municipal government. John Stutz is the longest serving director for the League of Kansas Municipalities, at 35 years. In that time, Stutz became known nationwide as a local government expert and leader in the development of municipal associations. It was during his tenure as executive secretary of the League of Kansas Municipalities that Stutz also became the first executive secretary of the American Municipal Association (AMA). The AMA, originally established in Lawrence in 1924 was later renamed the National League of Cities (NLC) in 1964.

Over the next 100 years, the nonpartisan National League of Cities has grown in size and influence, serving as a trusted resource for mayors, city council members, and municipal government staff, providing them with unparalleled research and technical expertise.

The National League of Cities, now based in Washington, DC, serves as a relentless advocate for the nation’s cities, towns, and villages in our nation’s capital, and has played a historic role in shaping some of the country’s most significant pieces of public policy. Among these are the passage of the creation of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts, the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act, the American Rescue Plan Act, and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. As a testament to the organization, presidents of the National League of Cities have gone on to become governors, members of Congress, senators, and cabinet secretaries.

Hosted by Champions of Excellence in Public Service

In addition to celebrating the rich and impactful history of NLC’s 100 years, this visit has also provided an opportunity for the three hosting organizations to reflect on their own roles in shaping local government and public service, in Kansas and across the country.

“Kansas played a significant role in the National League of Cities' founding, with our own John Stutz leading the organization in its early years. Like NLC, the League of Kansas Municipalities has always prioritized serving our members by listening well and responding to local needs. Today, as cities face challenges like infrastructure renewal, affordable housing, and other critical issues, NLC remains an invaluable resource—connecting local leaders and amplifying their voices on the national stage,” said Nathan Eberline, Executive Director, League of Kansas Municipalities

Before the KU School of Public Affairs and Administration was formally established, the Master of Public Administration program brought prospective public servants from all of the country to Lawrence. The distinguished MPA program is over 70 years old and will celebrate its 75th anniversary in Tampa at the International City/County Manager Association (ICMA) Annual Conference in the fall 2025. Furthermore, the KU Master of Urban Planning (MUP) program celebrates 50 years of educating planners for careers in sustainability, transportation, housing, community building, environmental conservation, governance, non-profits, advocacy, and more.  

This celebration will include a new addition to the KU SPAA community, School Director Maja Husar Holmes, who arrived in Lawrence at the start of January 2024 to begin her duties. She shared in the excitement for the upcoming NLC visit to celebrate their historic milestone:

“The centennial celebration of the founding of National Leagues of Cities in Lawrence highlights the deep commitment of the KU School of Public Affairs and Administration to its #1 ranking in local government management.” -Maja Husar Holmes, SPAA Director

For more than two decades, the KU MPA program has held the top spot in local government management as reported by U.S. News and World Report. It's moments of reflection like this that highlight the KU Campus and City of Lawrence as inherent focal points for public service and the origins of local government excellence and resiliency.

“I am thrilled to welcome all to the birthplace of the National League of Cities as we joyously commemorate its 100th anniversary, a testament to the enduring spirit of community and collaboration that defines our nation's municipalities,” said Bart Littlejohn, Mayor of Lawrence.