The Sheep Gate that the priests rebuilt was important to them (the Priests) for it was through this gate that the sacrifices came through to the temple. Anyway...the priests NEED to take a leading position.
The Gates and walls meant security, trade, commerce, and a sense of self respect for the inhabitants. The leaders would meet and hold their meetings at these gates. These gates in the wall were for security and often had towers on either side where watchmen would stand guard in case any army attempted to sneak up on them. The gates were heavy and were locked at night.
There were some who refused to help...the nobles of the Tekoites. No more was said, but then, no one forgot who did not do their part in the wall building.
v12: Shallum, son of hallohesh had no sons so his daughters assisted in the rebuilding.