By Ed Somers
January 12, 2004

On January 21-23 in Washington (DC), the 72nd Winter Meeting of The U.S. Conference of Mayors will bring together over 300 mayors, plus business leaders, top federal officials and the media. Under the leadership of Conference President Hempstead (NY) Mayor James A. Garner, the meeting will focus on key issues related to both Economic Security and Homeland Security, all of which will be discussed under Mayor Garner's overarching theme of sustainable development.

The Conference of Mayors will bring forward an '04 metro investment agenda, which is being developed with business community input, and will continue to push for direct homeland security/first responder resources for cities. In addition, the Conference will release its Second Mayors' Report to the Nation: Tracking Federal Homeland Security Funds Sent to the 50 States on Thursday, January 22.

On the first day of the meeting, a special mayors'only information exchange luncheon will provide mayors with the opportunity to discuss a variety of priority issues and local best practices in a roundtable setting. The issues for discussion will be determined based on a survey sent to all member mayors regarding the following question: "What actions should the federal government take that would truly help improve my city and help me accomplish my objectives as Mayor?" Many top speakers have been already confirmed including Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (TN), Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton (NY), Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta, CDC Director Dr. Julie Gerberding, Amtrak President David Gunn and many others.

The Conference is awaiting confirmation of a meeting with President Bush on Friday, January 23.

A number of important award presentations will be made including the USCM Excellence in Public/Private Partnership Awards on Friday morning. In addition, Public Leadership in the Arts Awards will be presented during a special luncheon on Thursday, January 22 to Baltimore Mayor Martin O-Malley, Pennsylvania Governor Edward Rendell, Tony Bennett and Henry Winkler.

Many important standing committee, task force, workshop and other special meetings will be held over the course of the three days. Included will be meetings of the Women Mayors, Republican Mayors and Local Officials, and National Conference of Democratic Mayors. Mayors who have not yet registered and wish to do so should contact Carol Edwards with the Conference staff at (202) 293-7330.