According to the WMC By-laws there are four key purposes:
1. Policy - to establish a cohesive, effective voice for a stronger federal-state-local partnership and relationships in the region in the development and implementation of municipal policy issues.
2. Political - to provide an effective forum and to develop a coordinated Western legislative effort for members of the western state municipal leagues on national, state, and local issues affecting the municipal governments of the region.
3. Information exchange -to serve as a forum for the exchange of comparative research and information, current issues and emerging trends among participating leagues.
4. Collaboration -to facilitate communication and collaboration among western state and local public officials and their associations.

Key western organizations to partner with: NACo – Western Interstate Region; Council of State Governments – West; Western Governor’s Association; and, a variety of western professional organizations such as the Western States Water Council.

Key municipal western issues to partner on:
• Water and drought
• Western political forums
• Defense against ballot initiatives
• Economic development
• Global warming local initiatives
• Energy efficiency/conservation measures for communities; expansion of regional energy producing facilities
• Interstate transportation funding and expansion
• Border and immigration issues
• Pollution control
• Land Use
• Endangered species issues
• Natural Resources, including federal forests, BLM Lands and policies, etc.

Implementation strategy: Maintain a minimal on-going WMC structure to:
• Act as a contact to other organizations asking for WMC support or participation on issues.
• Organize monthly or bi-monthly Board teleconferences to take positions on issues as they arise and keep member states current on western issues.
• Organize annual meeting programs and networking opportunities in conjunction with NLC.
• Maintain a simple WMC website and an email list for electronic notices and updates.