WASHINGTON — Port Arthur Mayor Thurman Bartie has been appointed to the National League of Cities 2020 Community and Economic Development federal advocacy committee.

This committee has the lead responsibility for developing the League’s federal policy positions on issues involving housing, community and economic development, land use, recreation and parks, historic preservation and international competitiveness.

National League of Cities President Joe Buscaino, a Los Angeles council member, announced the appointment.

“I am humbled to have been selected to serve on this committee,” Bartie said. “The advantages to the City of Port Arthur and my presence on such a committee are of such a great nature, that I can’t describe it.”

As a committee member, Bartie will play a key role in shaping policy positions and advocate on behalf of America’s cities and towns before Congress, with the administration and at home.

“NLC’s federal advocacy committees ensure policymakers in Washington understand the most pressing issues facing local communities,” Buscaino said. “I am proud to have Thurman Bartie join NLC’s Community and Economic Development committee on behalf of his residents.

“Together, with a team of local officials from across the country, we will strengthen the federal-local partnership, and ultimately create stronger cities, towns and villages.”

The leadership of this year’s committee will consist of Chair Kevin Thompson, a councilmember from Mesa, Ariz.; Vice Chair Kristopher Dahir, a councilman from Sparks, Nev., and Vice Chair Emmett Jordan, mayor of Greenbelt, Maryland.

For more information on NLC’s federal advocacy committees, visit nlc.org/advocacy/committees.