City of Savannah Mayor Pro Tem, Alderwoman Dr. Estella Edwards Shabazz has been appointed to the National League of Cities (NLC) 2025 Community and Economic Development Committee, per an announcement by NLC President Steve Patterson, Mayor of Athens, Ohio.

Mayor Pro Tem, Dr. Shabazz was elected to a one-year term and will provide strategic direction and guidance for NLC’s federal advocacy agenda and policy priorities on housing, community development, and economic opportunity.

“It is a great honor to be nominated to this committee,” Shabazz said. “I am thrilled to share my experience working on housing and economic development here in Savannah with other community leaders. Together, we will continue our advocacy for fair housing practices, affordable housing projects, and economic development initiatives that create a better future for residents here in Savannah and across the nation.” 

As a member of NLC’s Community and Economic Development Committee, Mayor Pro Tem, Dr. Shabazz will play a key role in shaping NLC’s policy positions and advocating on behalf of America’s cities, towns and villages before Congress, with the administration and at home in Savannah.

“NLC’s federal advocacy committees play a crucial role in advancing the policies and priorities of America’s 19,000 cities, towns, and villages with federal policymakers," Patterson said. “I am excited to work with Mayor Pro Tem, Dr. Shabazz this year to help strengthen the relationships between local and federal leaders.” 

The 2025 NLC Community and Economic Development Committee will be led by Chair Jeffrey L. Boney, Councilmember, Missouri City, Texas; Vice Chair Michael Lombardo, Mayor, Pittston, Pennsylvania; and Vice Chair Cindy Silva, Councilmember, Walnut Creek, California.