Josh Coleman appointed to the National League of Cities’ REAL Council

Josh Coleman, director of public affairs for the City of Birmingham, has been appointed to the National League of Cities’ 2026 Race, Equity and Leadership Council.

Coleman was elected to a one-year term to help develop and guide programs among local elected officials from similar communities. National League of Cities President Kevin Kramer, a councilmember in Louisville, Kentucky, announced the appointment.

“I’m honored to serve on the National League of Cities’ Race, Equity and Leadership Council and to represent the City of Birmingham in this important national conversation,” Coleman said. “Cities like Birmingham know that building stronger, more inclusive communities requires intentional leadership and collaboration. I’m excited to work alongside leaders from across the country to share ideas, learn from one another and bring innovative solutions back home that help ensure every resident has the opportunity to thrive.”

As a member of the council, Coleman will work with a diverse group of local leaders to encourage collaboration, networking and the development of resources and programs for communities that share demographics, size or location, according to a National League of Cities news release. The programs are intended to be replicated in communities across the country.

“National League of Cities member councils design and create NLC policies that bring together innovative ideas and solutions to the biggest challenges facing local leaders across the country,” Kramer said. “I am thrilled to have Coleman serve on the Race, Equity and Leadership Council this year as we work together to ensure our cities, towns and villages have the resources they need to create thriving communities.”

Mayor Jessica Harrison of Zebulon, North Carolina, will serve as chair of this year’s Race, Equity and Leadership Council. Cleveland Councilmember Stephanie Howse-Jones and Norfolk, Virginia, Councilmember Carlos Clanton will serve as vice chairs.