Associations like the Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns exist in 49 states and were originally formed for the purpose of representing municipal government interests before the state legislature. This role soon expanded to include representation before the executive and state administrative agencies as well as the provision of technical assistance, information sharing, and training to assist municipal officials in fulfilling their responsibilities. The strengths and effectiveness of the League is derived from pulling together its member municipalities and merging their divergent opinions and needs into a cohesive expression of municipal views, interests, and initiatives. The League has a long and proud tradition of service to its membership and since it was founded in 1968, it has been recognized as "the unified voice of local government in Rhode Island."