The 2019 Town & State Dinner, with a full day of programming capped by an intimate dinner between municipal and legislative officials this past Wednesday in Raleigh, went down in the books as an unforgettable success. Still in the early days of the legislative long-session, close to 500 officials representing either cities and towns or House and Senate districts across the state gathered at the Raleigh Convention Center to discuss teamwork for the months ahead and beyond. The point of this League-organized event, which filled to capacity, was to strengthen or establish new relationships between these levels of government with the understanding that we accomplish more together than apart. "We all have a common goal of creating a better North Carolina, one that makes each of our towns and cities better palces to live for our citizens," League President Michael Lazzara, the mayor pro tem of Jacksonville, told the gathering.
After tightly attended daytime learning sessions on hot topics like affordable housing and adequate broadband access, city and state officials kicked off a networking reception before the main event, emceed by President Lazzara with special guest speakers including Senate leader Phil Berger of Eden, Sen. Valerie Foushee of Chapel Hill, House Speaker Pro Tem Sarah Stevens of Mt. Airy, and Rep. Gale Adcock of Cary. The underlying theme was unity for a growing and changing state, while President Lazzara highlighted the fact that cities' and towns' legislative goals -- on infrastructure needs, economic growth, fiscal health and more -- reflect diversity in the state's 540-plus municipalities and 170 legislative districts.
"I would like to thank the N.C. League of Municipalities for inviting me to speak last night at their annual Town & State Dinner," Senator Berger posted to
his Facebook page on Thursday. "Cities and towns play a vital role in providing core services to millions of North Carolinians and I appreciate the great work that our local elected officials do every day."
Both Berger and Stevens touted legislative efforts that have improved the state's economy, while also acknolwedging areas of the state that have lagged behind in the aftermath of manufacturing-job losses and other challenges, and that state and local officials must continue addressing those needs. Foushee discussed the close work of municipal and state officials that benefits all citizens, while Adcock noted her experience on the Cary Town Council and how that informed her understanding of municipal government needs.
The event was once again warmly embraced by League members. Mayor Don Hardy of Kinston,
on Twitter, stated: "It was a great turnout. A strong show of support from our local government officials and NC delegation!! #NCSTRONG!!!"
The League would like to thank all legislators and municipal officials who made the 2019 Town & State Dinner such a meaningful occasion.