SUPPORTING A STRONG TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION AGENDA

WHEREAS, the harnessing of technology and innovation is critical to the success and vitality of any public sector endeavor or organizational mission; and

WHEREAS, the combination of innovation and technology provides a powerful economic and social engine to help revitalize our cities and communities; and

WHEREAS, identifying and building partnerships with other jurisdictions, non-profit organizations, and private companies is vital to innovation and harnessing the potential of technology; and

WHEREAS, open data has been a key driver to economic development, accountability and innovation in cities; and

WHEREAS, reforming national immigration policy would be instrumental in attracting and retaining qualified and talented foreign-born Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) students attending American universities; and

WHEREAS, there is an urgent need for states and local governments to collaborate with National Telecommunications and Information Administration's (NTIA) in developing and deploying a national public safety communications network in the 700MHz D Block to ensure system-wide compatibility in function and operation; and  

WHEREAS, local governments continue to work with private sector partners to develop and deploy innovative technology systems that will make high quality internet access available and affordable to their communities, and

WHEREAS, expanding and broadening the engagement of people living and working in cities with their government through technology, drives new solutions to long-standing and emerging civic challenges.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that The United States Conference of Mayors encourages, supports and enables the liberation of data at all levels of government and the private sector to spur entrepreneurship, foster economic growth and create jobs; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that The United States Conference of Mayors will support and advocate for legislation that spurs national innovation through reformed immigration policies which would help American companies attract and retain the best and the brightest workers by providing green cards for advanced degree graduates in STEM fields from American universities; create a new green card category for entrepreneurs who establish new start-up businesses; reform the current H-1B visa programs to increase the number of technology workers; and better prepare American students for jobs in new technologies by investing significant capital into improving STEM education in the U.S; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that The United States Conference of Mayors will support efforts such as those of the NTIA to urge states and local governments to collaborate with one another and NTIA in developing and deploying a national public safety communications network in the 700MHz D Block, to ensure system-wide compatibility in function and operation; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that The United States Conference of Mayors will urge NTIA and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to increase the availability of unlicensed spectrum, including potential uses in the 1755-1850 MHz band, and shared uses in other bands,  to assist local governments and other users deploy public Wi-Fi systems that will expand free or low-cost and high quality internet access to entire communities; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the United States Conference of Mayors urges Congress and the Administration to expand funding to support initiatives that direct resources to harness the capability of metro economies nationwide in developing regional industry, innovation and export clusters.