Alderman Malcom Chapman was elected to the National League of Cities board of directors during the organization's convention in New Orleans two weeks ago.

Chapman was one of 23 new board members elected to the 40-member board of elected officials and state municipal league directors who help shape priorities and direct the advocacy, research, and membership activities of NLC.

"It's important to have Rapid City and states the size of South Dakota represented in this type of organization," Chapman said. "I think that's the benefit: that Rapid City, South Dakota, will be put on this national map where our voice and the things that are important to us are heard."

The National League of Cities is the oldest and largest organization representing municipal governments in the United States, and serves as a resource and advocate for 19,000 cities.

Chapman said the NLC board represents diverse municipalities, including small towns and "mega" cities, all focused on strengthening and promoting communities, improving leadership skills and providing opportunities for getting involved.

"Cities and towns, like every other form of government, want local control about how they do things. We'll be creating policy and goals for this next year," he said.

Chapman said serving on the board won't create a burden on his time. Board meetings are scheduled in conjunction with the two main National League of Cities meetings that local council members normally attend. One is held each spring in Washington, D.C., and the other is in late fall in a different city each year.

Given recent criticism about the council's trip to the New Orleans meeting, Chapman was asked whether being on the board would require him to attend more meetings during the year and whether city taxpayers would pay for those trips.

Chapman said the NLC board president may schedule an additional meeting during summer months, but if he attends, his travel expenses won't be borne by the city.

"I fully plan to go to the March meeting. I will put in a travel request like I normally do, but if there's some additional meetings or requirements, I'm not going to ask the city to pick up the tab to do that," he said.

Chapman's selection to the board included an application and three-minute hearing in front of a few hundred people. During his hearing, Chapman emphasized the importance of giving mid-size and small communities a voice in the organization's advocacy agenda, something he will continue to advocate as a board member.

"When I get an opportunity to speak, I will be talking about those things that are crucially important to our community: things about water, things about affordable housing, telecommunications, federal mandates. I'll be talking about things that impact us right here," he said.

Contact Scott Aust at 394-8415 or scott.aust@rapidcityjournal.com