CAYCE — City of Cayce District 2 Councilman Byron Thomas has been selected as the incoming chair of the National League of Cities’ (NLC) 2026 Small Cities Leadership Council, a national role that places him among leading municipal officials shaping policy and programs for communities across the country.
The appointment was announced by NLC President Kevin Kramer, a councilmember from Louisville, Kentucky. As chair, Thomas will help develop and guide initiatives for local elected officials from small cities, towns, and villages that share similar challenges and opportunities.
“National League of Cities’ member councils design and create NLC’s policies that bring together innovative ideas and solutions to the biggest challenges facing local leaders across the country,” Kramer said. “I am thrilled to have Cayce’s Councilman Thomas lead NLC’s 2026 Small Cities Leadership Council as we work together to ensure our cities, towns and villages have the resources they need to create thriving communities.”
Cayce City Manager Michael Conley praised the selection, noting the significance of the national recognition. “Our city could not be prouder of Councilman Thomas being selected from elected officials across the nation to lead the National League of Cities’ 2026 Small Cities Leadership Council,” Conley said. “His passion, leadership, and dedicated representation for District 2 and the City of Cayce will now be seen on the national level.”
In his role as chair, Thomas will collaborate with a diverse group of municipal leaders to encourage networking, share best practices, and develop resources and programs that can be replicated in small cities nationwide.
The 2026 Small Cities Leadership Council officers include:
- Chair: Councilman Byron Thomas, Cayce, South Carolina
- Vice Chair: Mayor Jodi Miller, Freeport, Illinois
- Vice Chair: City Director Phyllis Beard, Hot Springs, Arkansas
