United States Conference of Mayors (USCM)

United States Conference of Mayors (USCM) is a non-partisan organization that represents mayors from cities across the United States, including New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Houston. The organization works closely with other groups, such as the National League of Cities, National Association of Counties, and International City/County Management Association, to address issues affecting urban areas, including Detroit, Philadelphia, and Seattle. Mayors from major cities, including Mayor of Boston, Mayor of San Francisco, and Mayor of Denver, play a significant role in shaping the organization's policies and initiatives, often in collaboration with federal agencies like the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Department of Housing and Urban Development.

● History

The organization was founded in 1932, during the Great Depression, with the goal of providing a platform for mayors to share ideas and address common challenges, such as those faced by Cleveland, St. Louis, and Baltimore. Over the years, the organization has worked with various presidents, including Franklin D. Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, and Barack Obama, to develop and implement policies that benefit cities, such as the New Deal and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The organization has also collaborated with other groups, including the American Public Transportation Association, National Association of Realtors, and U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, to promote urban development and address social issues, like those affecting Oakland, Minneapolis, and Dallas.

● Organization

The organization is headquartered in Washington, D.C. and has a staff that works to support the mayors and their cities, including Tucson, Albuquerque, and Portland. The organization is divided into several committees, including the Committee on Metro Economies, Committee on Energy Independence and Climate Protection, and Committee on Community Development and Housing, which focus on issues like economic development, sustainable energy, and affordable housing, often in partnership with organizations like the Brookings Institution, Urban Institute, and Habitat for Humanity. The organization also works with federal agencies, such as the Department of Transportation and Environmental Protection Agency, to develop and implement policies that benefit cities, including Kansas City, Nashville, and Pittsburgh.

● Membership

Membership in the organization is open to mayors from cities with a population of over 30,000, including Anchorage, Honolulu, and Raleigh. The organization has over 1,400 member cities, representing more than 140 million people, including those in Miami, Oakland, and Cincinnati. Member cities include San Jose, Austin, and Jacksonville, and mayors from these cities play an active role in shaping the organization's policies and initiatives, often in collaboration with other groups, such as the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials and National Black Caucus of State Legislators.

● Policy and Advocacy

The organization advocates for policies that benefit cities, including infrastructure development, public safety, and education reform, often in partnership with organizations like the American Federation of Teachers and National Education Association. The organization has worked with Congress to pass legislation, such as the Surface Transportation Act and Every Student Succeeds Act, that benefits cities, including Atlanta, Sacramento, and Milwaukee. The organization also works with the White House and federal agencies, such as the Department of Justice and Department of Education, to develop and implement policies that address urban issues, like those affecting Birmingham, Memphis, and Richmond.

● Leadership and Governance

The organization is led by a president, who is elected by the member mayors, including those from Tulsa, Wichita, and Colorado Springs. The president serves a one-year term and is responsible for setting the organization's agenda and representing the mayors in Washington, D.C., often in collaboration with other groups, such as the National Governors Association and Council of State Governments. The organization also has a board of trustees, which includes mayors from cities like Charlotte, Indianapolis, and Columbus, and provides guidance and oversight to the organization.

● Annual Meetings

The organization holds an annual meeting, which brings together mayors from across the country, including those from Des Moines, Boise, and Spokane, to discuss issues and develop policies. The meeting features speakers, including former presidents, cabinet members, and congressional leaders, such as Nancy Pelosi and Mitch McConnell, and provides a platform for mayors to share ideas and best practices, often in partnership with organizations like the National Conference of State Legislatures and American Legislative Exchange Council. The meeting also includes committee meetings and workshops, which focus on issues like economic development, public safety, and sustainable energy, and provide opportunities for mayors to engage with experts from organizations like the RAND Corporation and Pew Research Center.