The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the many disparities affecting Latinos across the United States. The National League of Cities has recognized Mesa District 5 Councilmember David Luna for his leadership to address Latino inequities to access digital technology, capital and economic opportunities and healthcare over the past two years as president of the Hispanic Elected Local Officials.

“As an NLC board member and as president of HELO, Councilmember Luna has served as a true national champion for the city of Mesa and for support and programs that address the unique needs of the Latino community,” NLC CEO and Executive Director Clarence E. Anthony said in a release. “Councilmember Luna has been an active member of the National League of Cities for nearly a decade and we have benefited greatly from his knowledge and expertise of the municipal landscape of the Southwestern U.S., his exemplary leadership and steadfast service to residents not only in Mesa but across the country.”

Councilmember Luna was elected as president of HELO in 2019. He has been instrumental in the creation of policies that address the lack of access to affordable and reliable broadband service in communities of color and to increase the vaccination rate among Latinos. Under his leadership HELO drafted the first policy brief created by the group, “State of the Digital Divide in the Hispanic Community” as a resource for Hispanic local officials to utilize in their municipalities.

“Issues are rarely isolated to one community. The National League of Cities brings local elected officials together to find innovative solutions to common challenges and improve the lives of our constituents,” Luna said in the release. “It has been an honor to serve as president of Hispanic Elected Local Officials for the National League of Cities and to work with Latino leaders from across the country.”

Councilmember Luna has been an active member of the National League of Cities since taking office in 2013.