Wilmington City Council Brings Local Priorities to Washington, D.C.

Published on March 20, 2026

Members of Wilmington City Council spent part of this week in Washington, D.C., attending the National League of Cities Congressional City Conference and meeting with federal partners to discuss priorities that directly impact the Wilmington community.

Throughout the visit, council members connected with leaders from across the country while also taking time to meet with North Carolina’s congressional delegation and staff from key federal agencies. Those conversations focused on the issues Wilmington is actively navigating at home.

As the city continues to grow, transportation remains a top concern. Council members discussed the need to keep pace with that growth through continued investment in infrastructure and planning support.

They also raised ongoing concerns around PFAS, advocating for stronger research, clearer standards, and continued federal engagement on water quality issues that affect the Cape Fear region.

Reliable disaster recovery support was another key topic, particularly for coastal communities like Wilmington that face increasing risks from severe weather. Ensuring timely access to resources and support following storms remains a priority.

Affordable housing also remained front and center, with discussions focused on identifying funding opportunities and partnerships that can help expand housing options for residents.

While the schedule included a full slate of meetings, the trip also provided an opportunity to strengthen relationships and share Wilmington’s story with federal partners. Those connections can play an important role in securing resources, shaping policy conversations, and bringing back ideas that can be applied locally.

City leaders emphasized the importance of continuing to show up in these spaces, making Wilmington’s voice heard, and advocating for the needs of the community.

Wilmington City Council extends its appreciation to Sens. Thom Tillis and Ted Budd, Rep. David Rouzer, and staff from the Federal Highway Administration, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the American Flood Coalition for their time and engagement during the visit.