INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

MEMORANDUM OF COOPERATION WITH THE CHINA ASSOCIATION OF MAYORS

WHEREAS, as part of the world millennium celebration, the United States Conference of Mayors has launched "Cities 2000" to develop lasting relations with the world community of cities; and

WHEREAS, the 20th Century was the "Century of Nations," we believe the 21st Century will be known as the "Century of Cities;" and

WHEREAS, many cities around the world experience a similar set of challenges in providing for the economic and social welfare of their citizens; and

WHEREAS, cities in advanced economies such as the United States of America have had enormous success in developing the infrastructure necessary to support city economies and provide for the general welfare of their citizenry, commerce and resources; and

WHEREAS, cities with advanced and developing economies share the need to make significant public expenditure to provide appropriate urban infrastructure for water, roads, energy and other purposes; and

WHEREAS, many cities around the world strive to raise the standard of living for their urban citizenry and would benefit from an exchange of information concerning the administrative, cultural, economic and scientific aspects of managing complex urban systems,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that as part of the Cities 2000 initiative, the United States Conference of Mayors pursue beneficial information exchanges with the China Association of Mayors; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the United States Conference of Mayors hereby enter into a Memorandum of Cooperation with the China Association of Mayors to begin and sustain an information exchange dialogue whereby each association will endeavor to share "Best Practices" that have been demonstrated to improve the urban condition.