NC League of Municipalities history

The Municipal Corporation Act of 1917 and the Municipal Finance Act of 1917, which gave cities and towns more local control and the authority to issue bonds.

Renamed North Carolina Municipal Association in 1922 when new constitution adopted

Adopted new constitution in 1934 and became N.C. League of Municipalities.

First Mayors' Day in 1935 - this legislative briefing and rally still held, but now called Town Hall Day.

The first directory of municipal officials was published in 1936.

League began talking about home rule for cities and towns with discussion of a constitutional amendment in 1937.

The first record on file with the North Carolina League of Municipalities relating to a meeting of city managers is a copy of a mimeographed letter dated March 8, 1938.

League began sponsorship of a group insurance plan for cities and towns in 1950.

In late forties, the organization continued efforts to increase state support for municipal streets and, in 1951, won perhaps its most famous legislative battle - enactment of the Powell Bill.

P. M. Burdette, City Manager of Asheville (not to be confused with H. L. Burdette, Monroe), was elected President at that time and Association officers through the year 1963 were as follows:

On April 13, 1964, a memorandum was forwarded to all city and county managers in North Carolina by the committee which enclosed a recommended constitution for the managers' consideration.

Following this May 1965 conference in Southern Pines, the responsibility for the maintenance of Association records was transferred to the Association officers.

In cooperation with N.C. Association of County Commissioners, built the Albert Coates Local Government Center in 1979, debt-free.

Then Scotland Neck Mayor Ferd Harrison was elected second vice president of the National League of Cities in 1980, the first officer ever from a town under 25,000 in population.

Established self-funded pool for workers' compensation (NCIRMA) in 1981.

Established self-funded pool for health and employee benefits (MIT of NC) in 1983.

Established self-funded pool for property and liability coverages (IRFFNC) in 1986.

League was a leader in 1989 successful effort to greatly increase transportation funding.

League spearheaded efforts to get numerous clean water bond issues passed, most recently in 1998.

Nonetheless, these regulations, governance rules and risk management methods failed to prevent the financial crisis that began in 2007.