Zebulon, N.C. — Mayor Jessica Harrison has been appointed chair of the National League of Cities’ 2026 Race, Equity and Leadership (REAL) Council. Harrison was elected to a one-year term and will help develop and guide programs for local elected officials from communities with similar demographics, size or geographic characteristics. The appointment was announced by National League of Cities President Kevin Kramer, a Louisville, Kentucky, council member.
“This council’s work matters because equity and opportunity look different in every community,” Harrison said. “Zebulon understands the importance of thoughtful leadership, collaboration and listening to residents as we grow, and I am honored to help advance those conversations on a national level.”
As chair of NLC’s Race, Equity and Leadership Council, Harrison will work alongside a diverse group of local leaders to encourage collaboration, networking and the development of resources and programs that can be replicated in communities across the country.
“National League of Cities’ member councils design and create NLC’s policies that bring together innovative ideas and solutions to the biggest challenges facing local leaders across the country,” said National League of Cities President Kevin Kramer, Councilmember, Louisville, Kentucky. “I am thrilled to have Mayor Harrison lead NLC’s REAL Council this year as we work together to ensure our cities, towns and villages have the resources they need to create thriving communities.”
The 2026 REAL Council leadership team includes Chair Jessica Harrison, mayor of Zebulon, North Carolina; Vice Chair Carlos Clanton, councilmember of Norfolk, Virginia; and Vice Chair Stephanie Howse-Jones, councilmember of Cleveland, Ohio.
For more information about NLC’s member councils, visit nlc.org/member-councils.
