About ELGL
Engaging Local Government Leaders
ELGL, short for Engaging Local Government Leaders, is a volunteer-run, membership-based nonprofit organization with a mission to engage the brightest minds in local government.
ELGL is an "accidental professional association" that started in Portland, OR, in 2012 with a 16-member dinner group. Today, ELGL has grown to include members throughout the United States representing cities, towns, counties, special districts, nonprofits, and the private sector.
ELGL's formation addressed two issues: breaking down silos within public service, and helping future public servants break into the profession.
As a result, ELGL is focused on all levels of local government — from analysts to mayors, librarians to planners, and everyone in between. The organization is grounded in the values of joy, equity, creativity, connection, and dependability
As a volunteer-run organization, ELGL provides timely and relevant content through podcasts, blogs, social media, and events, with the objective of fostering authentic and meaningful connections grounded in practices of equity and inclusion.
ELGL Timeline
April 6, 2012
ELGL is incorporated as Emerging Local Government Leaders.
October 2013
ELGL holds its first conference, #ELGL13, in Portland, OR.
January 2014
ELGL adopts a strategic plan outlining the organization's future.
October 2014
ELGL hosts the #ELGL14 conference in Portland.
January 2016
GovLove Podcast launches, focusing on the people, policies, and profession of local gov.
March 14, 2016
ELGL's name is changed to Engaging Local Government Leaders.
August 2016
The first City Hall Selfie Day is celebrated at city halls and on social media.
August 2016
The inaugural Top Influencers in Local Government list, then known as the Traeger Awards, debuts.
October 2016
ELGL hosts pop-up events in Portland, San Francisco, Dallas-Fort Worth, Denver, Chicago, and Durham, NC.
May 2017
ELGL hosts the #ELGL17 conference in Detroit.
May 2017
ELGL establishes a volunteer Board of Directors to guide the organization.
September 2017
ELGL hosts pop-up events in Charlotte, Dallas-Fort Worth, Kansas City, and Portland.
Winter 2018
ELGL hosts the first #ELGLInspire events on college campuses to connect with future public servants.
February 2019
ELGL hosts the National Day of Supper Clubbing for members to meet for a meal and conversations about local gov.
May 2019
ELGL hosts the #ELGL19 conference in Durham.
July 2019
ELGL adopts a new strategic plan to guide the organization's priorities.
October 2020
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, ELGL hosts a virtual conference.
February 2021
ELGL launches cohorts to offer learning opportunities in a variety of formats.
September 2021
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, ELGL hosts a virtual conference.
Spring 2022
ELGL adopts a strategic plan to guide the organization through 2025.
Sept. 27, 2022
ELGL officially becomes a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
October 2022
ELGL hosts the #ELGL22 conference in Phoenix.
July 2023
ELGL expands its volunteer Board of Directors to nine positions.
July 2023
ELGL launches member committees to support events, communications, and governance.
