By Ed Somers
January 12, 2009

Over 800 participants, including more than 250 mayors, plus business leaders and top federal officials will convene in Washington (DC) January 17-19 for the 77th Winter Meeting of The U.S. Conference of Mayors.

Under the leadership of Conference President Miami Mayor Manny Diaz, the meeting will focus on the USCM MainStreet Economic Recovery Plan and the need for smart, sustainable infrastructure investment that saves or creates three million jobs as called for by President-Elect Barack Obama. The mayors will continue to push Congress and the new Administration to invest through programs such as the Community Development Block Grant, Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant, and Surface Transportation Program. Continued efforts are needed to ensure that funding is provided directly to cities and local areas.

Diaz has invited to the meeting Obama, Vice President-Elect Biden, key White House officials, and the entire incoming Cabinet. In addition, leaders from the 111th Congress have been invited including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (CA), Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (NV), and key committee chairs. New Senator Mark Begich, former mayor of Anchorage and USCM Advisory Board member, is confirmed for the meeting.

Also invited are major private'sector leaders. Confirmed to date are T. Boone Pickens on energy independence and George Soros on “The Crash of 2008–Why It Happened and What to Do About It.”

A special Inaugural Gala will be held on Saturday evening at the magnificent National Building Museum. The event is open to all pre-registered meeting participants, and the attire is business. The evening will begin with a reception at 6:30pm with dinner at 7:30pm. New mayors will be recognized at the dinner.

Monday, January 19 is Dr. Martin Luther King Day. There will be a special session honoring his legacy featuring Marc Morial, CEO of the National Urban League. Also invited is Ambassador Andrew Young.

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 Mayors Business Council, Women Mayors, Republican Mayors and Local Officials, and National Conference of Democratic Mayors.

In addition, the annual Leadership in the Arts awards sponsored by Americans for the Arts and The U.S. Conference of Mayors will be presented at the closing lunch on January 19.

Mayors who have not yet registered and wish to do so should contact Carol Edwards with the Conference staff at 202-293-7330.

The latest draft agenda for the 77th Winter Meeting of The U.S. Conference of Mayors is available online at usmayors.org, and will be continually updated. The agenda contains detailed information regarding plenary sessions, committee meetings, task force meetings, workshops, and social events.