Congress of cities program keeps with the times.

NLC was created to respond to the needs of cities, and the organization is in constant communication with officials and staff members dealing with the day-to-day realities of running cities, towns and villages. Programming at the 2008 Congress of Cities, Nov. 11-15 in Orlando, Fla., reflects that up-to-the minute awareness.

In addition, NLC is issuing a Call for Great Solutions to gather innovative solutions and great ideas that address issues facing cities.

If selected, solutions will be incorporated into the 2008 Congress of Cities and Exposition. Submissions will be accepted at www.NLCCongressofCities.org through June 30.

This year, workshops and general sessions will focus on programs and ideas that support the following themes and address the listed subject areas:

Growing Green Cities: Creating livable, green communities

* Sharing innovative and cost-saving green practices

* Developing sustainability plans

* Understanding the latest on national emissions reduction efforts

Emerging Issues and Trends: Embracing changes that impact the community

* Dealing with vacant and abandoned properties

* Managing employee health care

* Developing immigrant inclusion strategies

* Managing global connections

Building Safe and Resilient Communities: Addressing public safety, disaster preparation, response and recovery

* Preventing crime and terrorism through federal and regional partnerships

* Developing innovative approaches to community policing

* Addressing youth violence

* Planning for a high profile event

* Giving former convicts a second chance

* Building regional interoperability

* Addressing the needs of immigrants in emergencies

Strengthening Local Infrastructure: Enabling local officials and employees to provide a strong local infrastructure

* Creating self-sustainable local governments

* Exploring water distribution systems

* Building and expanding infrastructure partnerships

* Growing the nonprofit community

* Understanding transportation and land use

Helping Children, Youth and Families Thrive: Building stronger communities and bolstering economic vitality by ensuring that children, youth and families thrive

* Learning innovative city responses to the dropout crisis

* Supporting school readiness

* Growing family financial stability

* Preventing youth violence

* Supporting afterschool/ community learning

* Engaging youth in civic life

* Addressing childhood obesity

Building Fiscally and Economically Fit Cities: Developing long-term financial health

* Developing local economies

* Restructuring economies

* Exploring the differing affects of and response to the economic crisis

Strategies to Include Cities in a Year of Change: Strategies, insights and ideas that connect cities into national policy conversations

* Getting local issues noticed at the federal level

* Presidential historians on the first 100 days

* Federalism and unfunded mandates in the 111th Congress

Governing Democratically and Building Civic Capacity: Strengthening efficient government practices and exchanging ideas to engage citizens

* Engaging citizens--solutions for today

* Governing for a stronger economy

* Making democracy work better

Congress of Cities Advance Registration Rates Begin June 17

Advance registration rates for the 2008 Congress of Cities, Nov. 11-15 in Orlando, Fla., begin June 17. Visit www.NLCCongressofCities.org to register.

On June 16, delegates will also be able to register for Leadership Training Institute seminars and mobile workshops. Mobile workshops can only be registered for online. Advance registration rates are effective from June 17 through September 30, 2008.

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Advance registration rates:

* First-timer attendance: $375

* NLC Member City: $500

* Associate Member: $500

* SML Member City: $610

* Non-member: $735

Details: For more information about registering, visit the website at www.NLCCongressofCities.org, e-mail lynch@nlc.org or call (202) 626-3105.