NLC is governed by a Board of Directors which is made up of the three officers -- president, first vice president, second vice president -- all past presidents still in government service, and 40 members. Twenty members of the Board of Directors are elected each year during the annual business meeting to serve two-year terms. In addition, the president, first vice president, and second vice president are elected to one-year terms during the Annual Business Meeting.
After completion of their two-year terms, members of the Board of Directors still in government service become members of the Advisory Council which is responsible for NLC's "CityFutures" process. Former Board members continue to serve on the Advisory Council as long as they are in government service.
In addition to the elected leadership and the Advisory Council, NLC relies on standing committees to develop municipal policy and explore issues which are critical to the nation's cities and towns.