El Centro, CA – April 15, 2025:
City of El Centro Mayor Pro Tem Sonia Carter has been appointed to the National League of Cities (NLC) 2025 Race, Equity and Leadership (REAL) Council. Carter was elected to a one-year term to help develop and guide programs among local elected officials from similar communities. The appointment was announced by NLC President Steve Patterson, Mayor of Athens,
Ohio.
“I am honored to represent El Centro and communities like ours on the REAL Council,” said Mayor Pro Tem Carter. “This appointment allows me to continue advocating for equitable policies that uplift every resident and ensure our voices are heard on a national level.”
Mayor Pro Tem Carter, a lifelong El Centro resident, has dedicated herself to civic service and social justice in El Centro, rooted in faith, family, and community. A graduate of Central Union High School, she went on to earn multiple degrees, including a Master of Science in Information Systems, and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Education. Her passion for service began in childhood and has continued through leadership roles in schools, local committees, and nonprofit work as CEO of Change Makers.
Elected to the El Centro City Council in 2022, she now serves as Mayor Pro Tem and actively participates in state-level caucuses and policy committees, representing the community with a strong voice and a deep commitment to equity and progress. She also holds the distinction of being the only African American councilmember in Imperial County and has served the El Centro Elementary School District for over 26 years.
As a member of NLC’s REAL Council, Mayor Pro Tem Carter will play a key role among a diverse group of local leaders to encourage collaboration, networking, and the development of resources and programs that can be shared across cities with similar demographics, size, or location.
“It is crucial that we bring together local leaders that are representative of all communities to share solutions and challenges from their hometowns, which are used to develop NLC policies and programs,” said National League of Cities President Steve Patterson.. “Bringing the experience and leadership of Mayor Pro Tem Carter to serve as a member on NLC’s REAL Council this year goes a long way to ensuring every city, town, and village has the resources they need to lift up their communities and improve the lives of their residents.”
This year’s council leadership will consist of Chair Andrea Barefield, Councilmember, Waco, TX; Vice Chair Diana Perez, Councilmember, Vancouver, WA; and Vice Chair Timothy Lonergan, Vice Mayor, Oakland Park, FL.
