By Katie Pirolt and Debra DeHaney-Howard
January 31, 2011

The Membership Standing Committee met on January 19 during The U.S. Conference of Mayors 79th Winter Meeting. Piscataway (NJ) Mayor Brian Wahler, Chair of the Conference of Mayors Membership Committee, provided a quick overview of the 50-State Membership Campaign and acknowledged the members' commitment and support over the past year. Wahler explained, "All cities have benefited from the work of The U.S. Conference of Mayors, whether or not their mayors are active members. In fact, it's the periods in which cities experience the greatest financial strain and question whether they can afford to support the work of the Conference when the organization will be most valuable to them."

The 50-State Membership campaign, which was unveiled at the Conference of Mayors September 20 Fall Leadership Meeting, is an initiative that seeks to raise awareness about the Conference of Mayors activities and to encourage all U.S. mayors to be more fully engaged in the challenges before cities and the nation. Wahler briefed members on recent membership activities, including Conference of Mayors participation in several State League meetings and the National League of Cities meeting in Denver. Wahler also reported that new "state ambassadors" were appointed to help reach out to mayors in their state and a first-time "New Mayors Forum" was held at last year's Annual Meeting in Oklahoma City.

Committee members also discussed new strategies for reaching out to potential members. Wahler suggested, "A great benefit of attending the Winter Meeting is the ability to meet with your Congressional delegation and fellow mayors, instead of having to come for a special trip. The professional staff at the Conference can facilitate those meetings — you don't need a lobbyist." Other suggestions for recruitment and retention included offering a special breakfast or recognition for new mayors.

Wahler lauded the committee members for their continued commitment and support of the Conference's membership campaign, encouraging them to continue their aggressive membership efforts. Wahler concluded his report by telling members to continue to reach out to their neighboring cities in order to inform fellow mayors of the important work of the Conference and what benefits their cities would receive as a member.