The City of Savannah, GA proudly announces that Mayor Van R. Johnson II has been elected First Vice President of the National League of Cities (NLC), marking another historic milestone in his distinguished leadership and Savannah’s rising national profile.

Mayor Johnson was elected by local leaders from across the country during the 2025 NLC City Summit held this week in Salt Lake City, Utah. His elevation to First Vice President positions him to assume the presidency of the National League of Cities in 2026 making him the first Savannah mayor to hold the organization’s top leadership role since Mayor John P. Rousakis in 1979 and only the 5th Georgian to lead the organization in its 101 year history.

NLC, representing more than 19,000 cities, towns, and villages, is the nation’s oldest and largest organization devoted to strengthening local governance, advocating on behalf of municipalities, and elevating the voices of local elected officials in Washington, D.C.

NLC members also elected Councilmember Kevin Kramer of Louisville, Kentucky, to serve as President and Vice Mayor Doreen Garlid of Tempe, Arizona, as Second Vice President.

President Kramer emphasized the importance of strong, trusted local leadership across the country: “Local government is consistently the most trusted level of government in America. Representing the 19,000 cities, towns and villages across this country is a great responsibility and tremendous honor that I do not take lightly. Local leaders are ready to get the job done for their residents, and I am confident NLC will continue to advocate and protect the interests of every municipality. I am thrilled to work alongside the 2026–27 NLC Board of Directors to continue to reimagine how we build strong, resilient local communities.”

Mayor Johnson, who has served on the NLC Board and as its Second Vice President, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to continue representing the interests of Savannah and cities nationwide.

“I am deeply honored to serve as First Vice President of the National League of Cities,” said Mayor Van R. Johnson II. “This role reflects Savannah’s leadership on the national stage and the work we are doing to build strong, safe, equitable, and opportunity-rich communities. I look forward to working with President Kramer, Second Vice President Garlid, and local leaders across the country to advocate for the resources, partnerships, and policies that help cities meet the needs of their residents every single day.”

As First Vice President, Mayor Johnson will help guide NLC’s strategic priorities, federal advocacy, and national programming during a period of major federal decision-making impacting local governments—from infrastructure and transportation, to housing and public safety, to economic and workforce development.

In addition to electing its 2026 officers, NLC members also selected new members to the Board of Directors and appointed chairs for its Federal Advocacy Committees, continuing the organization’s mission of strengthening America’s communities.