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United States Conference of Mayors Update
Scott Smith
USCM President and City of Mesa Mayor
I was honored to be invited as US Conference of Mayors President to speak at the National League of Cities Congressional Cities Conference in
March. The US Conference of Mayors and National League of Cities work together closely to help connect City Hall to Capitol Hill, which was the
theme of this year's meeting. The executives and members of both organizations have been collaborating on legislative priorities and aligning
our agendas to have a strong unified voice on the issues that matter most to cities.
Arizona has been front and center with leadership in both organizations hailing from our great state over the past year. Mayor Marie Lopez Rogers
was President of the National League of Cities and ended her tenure in November, while I have been President of the US Conference of Mayors since
June.
One of the issues we have been working on is finding innovative ways to invest in our transportation infrastructure and the renewal of the Surface
Transportation Bill. We must make sure that the next transportation bill empowers local governments with more control over funding decisions because
we know best what is needed to support our citizens and our businesses.
A great local example is the acceleration of the construction of State Route 24 in Mesa, which is scheduled to open later this spring. State Route 24,
also known as the Gateway Freeway, will enhance access to Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport and the southeast valley. The city of Mesa was able to advance
the start of construction by four years by issuing bonds. Accelerating the project saved about $115 million in design, right-of-way and construction
costs. This new roadway will help maximize the potential of Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, make vital connections for efficient transportation and
transit and create sustainable development.
Cities have learned the lessons of the great recession, and we are now the leaders in creative financing, striking when the time is right to save money
and boosting the economy with construction jobs now while laying the foundation for future development.
I have never seen a time when so many national commentators are writing and speaking about the leadership being provided in cities across the
country. Cities are leading the way out of the great recession and now it is our obligation to help Washington find a path forward.
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League of Arizona Cities and Towns
1820 W. Washington St.
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone: 602-258-5786
Fax: 602-253-3874
http://www.azleague.org
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