Chandler City Council member and Vice Mayor Christine Ellis has been appointed to the National League of Cities University Communities Council and reappointed to the NLC Human Development Federal Advocacy Committee.

Ellis was appointed to a one-year term on both committees to provide strategic direction and guidance for their federal advocacy efforts, according to a news release.

Ellis said, in the release, that support from social services, job training programs and access to higher education are all essential to keeping people out of poverty. She said Chandler has demonstrated how collaboration with educational partners can create pathways and a pipeline of talented people for in-demand careers in local industries and wants to continue those types of partnerships.

The University Communities Council ensures that the needs of university communities are reflected in the National League of Cities’ advocacy efforts, the release states. This board provides a forum for local officials and others to share ideas and creative solutions to the unique challenges affecting university communities, such as the East Valley.

The Human Development Committee has historically focused on social services, advocating for immigration reform, managing opioid epidemic issues and workforce investment strategies to support local economies, including career and technical education.

Members of the NLC Committee play a key role in shaping policy positions as advocates who help policymakers in Washington understand the issues and challenges facing local communities, the release states.

Ellis began serving on the Chandler City Council in January 2021 and recently won and was sworn in for the second and final of her 4-year terms. She also serves on the NLC Women in Municipal Government and National Black Caucus, is the vice chair of the Maricopa Association of Governments Domestic Violence Council and serves on MAG’s Human Services and Community Initiatives Committee.

Ellis also serves on the Executive Board of the National Haitian American Elected Officials Network and has been appointed to serve as their treasurer through 2026.

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