U.S. Mayors Say Obama Administration Accomplishments Give Boost To Cities and Metropolitan Areas
WASHINGTON – The nation’s mayors today applauded the first 100 days of a President who has shown more focus on cities and an urban agenda than mayors have seen in a very long time. Mayors across America believe the Obama Administration’s policies have given an economic boost to cities, urban and metropolitan areas.
“Mayors needed a President who recognized the importance of an urban agenda and we are encouraged by the commitment that President Obama has shown to mayors and cities during his first 100 days,” said U.S. Conference of Mayors President Miami Mayor Diaz referring to Obama’s pledge last June to the mayors to create a White House Office on Urban Affairs. Obama has since named Former Bronx President Aldofo Carrion to the post.
In addition to the creation of the White House Urban Affairs office, President Obama and his top aides have met with mayors several times. To date, more than 100 mayors have met with President Obama, Vice President Biden, Senior Advisor Valerie Jarrett, Intergovernmental Affairs Director Cecilia Munos, HUD Secretary Donovan, Energy Secretary Chu, Attorney General Holder, Education Secretary Donovan, Transportation Secretary LaHood, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Jackson, U.S. Department of Energy Weatherization Program Director Gil Sperling and Department of Justice COPS Office Acting Director Tim Quinn on implementation of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
Moreover, many of the policies President Obama has enacted have been major priorities for the Conference for many years including the Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization, the Making Homes Affordable Program, the Administration’s plan to boost credit flow to small businesses, a focus on High Speed Rail, the Community Oriented Police program (COPS) and HIV/AIDS Prevention and Awareness.
The Administration also included an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant – conceived by The U.S. Conference of Mayors and the top priority in the mayors’ Ten Point Plan — in the Recovery Bill. This Grant positions cities to receive an unprecedented $2.8 billion, and supports mayoral efforts to meet the goals of the Mayors’ Climate Protection Agreement, which commits cities to meet Kyoto Protocol Standards by 2012. Nearly 950 mayors have already signed the agreement and are working to make their cities energy efficient.
As long-time CEO and Executive Director of the Conference of Mayors, Tom Cochran has seen many Administrations and has met with many U.S. Presidents. “I am encouraged by the level of communication that mayors have had with this White House in such a short period of time,” Cochran said. “We all know that cities and metropolitan areas drive the nation’s economy. And President Obama has moved forward quickly to put policies in place that reflect that reality.”
The nation’s mayors have invited President Obama, Vice President Biden and several members of the Obama Cabinet to address the Conference’s Annual Meeting from June 12-15 in Providence, RI, where mayors will gather to discuss implementation of the Obama Economic Recovery Plan and share their plans for stimulus funding in their communities.
