Mesa Vice Mayor Scott Somers has been appointed to the National League of Cities’ public safety and crime prevention federal advocacy committee for 2025.

In this role, he will help shape federal policy on critical issues including crime prevention, substance abuse, gun violence, municipal fire policy, disaster preparedness and homeland security, according to a release.

“Public safety demands both local expertise and national coordination,” Somers said in the release. “As a retired firefighter and former chair of this committee, I’ve seen firsthand how federal policy impacts our first responders. Mesa consistently ranks among America’s safest big cities, and I look forward to working with colleagues nationwide to enhance public safety in all communities.”

The appointment, announced by NLC President Steve Patterson, mayor of Athens, Ohio, places Vice Mayor Somers in a key position to advocate for cities before Congress, the Trump administration and local leaders. His one-year term will focus on developing strategic direction for NLC’s federal advocacy agenda across multiple public safety domains.

“NLC’s federal advocacy committees are essential in advancing the priorities of America’s 19,000 cities, towns and villages,” said NLC President Patterson. “Vice Mayor Somers brings valuable experience that will strengthen the crucial partnership between local and federal leaders.”

Founded more than 100 years ago, NLC works to strengthen local leadership, influence federal policy and drive innovative solutions. It serves as the voice of America's cities, towns and villages and represents more than 200 million people across the country.

For information on NLC’s Federal Advocacy Committees, visit https://www.nlc.org/advocacy/federal-advocacy-committees/