Dr. Barbara Odom-Wesley of Arlington has landed a gig on a high-profile committee that’ll have her rubbing elbows with the nation’s policymakers. Recently appointed to the National League of Cities (NLC) 2024 Human Development Federal Advocacy Committee, the Arlington City Council District 8 at-large representative is set to add a local twist to federal-level discussions on issues ranging from education and mental health to immigration reform.
Her one-year term will see her joining forces with other committee members to strategically direct and guide the NLC’s advocacy efforts in Washington. The appointment, handed down by NLC President Mayor David Sander of Rancho Cordova, showcases Odom-Wesley's continued ascent in civic leadership. Her role? To advocate vigorously on behalf of American towns and cities, and make sure Congress, the administration, and folks back home in Arlington understand just what’s at stake.
Odom-Wesley is no stranger to NLC work, having previously served as vice-chair of the NLC’s Transportation & Infrastructure Services Committee, twice. According to the City of Arlington, Texas, Mayor Sander expressed excitement about her new role. “I’m thrilled to have Dr. Odom-Wesley serve on NLC’s Human Development Committee this year and look forward to working with her to strengthen the federal-local partnership, and grow our common knowledge of the issues and opportunities facing our communities,” he said.
The Arlington city leader will sit alongside Chair Adriana Rocha Garcia of San Antonio, Texas, Vice Chair Wardine Alexander from Birmingham, Alabama, and Vice Chair Kim Norton, Mayor of Rochester, Minnesota, to lead this year’s committee efforts. Together, they’ll tackle a broad slate of issues imperative to the well-being of communities across the nation, aiming to make a palpable difference from the ground up.
