By Judy Reid
February 11, 2008

The United States Conference of Mayors recognized outstanding partnerships between cities and members of the business community at the Conference’s 76th Winter Meeting January 24 in Washington (DC).

During opening remarks, Conference President Trenton (NJ) Mayor Douglas H. Palmer emphasized the importance of the relationship between business and cities. “We want your ideas on what cities must do to keep and attract business, build a stronger workforce, and stay competitive in the global economy.”

Before announcing the awards, Mayors and Business Community Task Force Chair Las Vegas Mayor Oscar B. Goodman remarked, “We must have cities and businesses — mayors and CEOs — working together for the long-term prosperity of our cities and our nation.”

In addition to Goodman, Conference Executive Director and CEO Tom Cochran participated in the awards program recognizing best practices in Alexandria (VA), Buffalo (NY), Colorado Springs (CO), Elizabeth (NJ), Germantown (TN), Johns Creek (GA), Providence (RI), Tulsa (OK), Wichita (KS), and Wilmington (DE).

Cochran highlighted the importance of the Mayors’ Business Council stating, “The Conference’s relationship with the business community is stronger than ever. We will continue to strengthen the Mayors’ Business Council by sharing best practices and identifying innovative solutions to the challenges cities face through our Excellence in Public/Private Partnership Awards program.”

The Mayors’ Business Council established the awards to encourage businesses and cities to work together to bring innovative solutions to challenges facing local communities and to highlight successful public private partnerships.

The award winners are as follows:

• Alexandria (VA) and National Association of Home Builders for “The Station at Potomac Yard”

• Wichita (KS) and Bank of America-Kansas for “21st Street & Opportunity Drive”

  Outstanding Achievement Awards

• Buffalo (NY) and American Water for “City of Buffalo Public Private Partnership”

• Colorado Springs (CO) and CH2M HILL for “Fountain Creek Recovery Project”

• Elizabeth (NJ) and Verizon for “Innovative Access — Expanding Opportunities and Creating Effective Services”

• Germantown (TN) and Comcast for “Germantown High School Community Television” project

• Johns Creek (GA) and CH2M HILL OMI for “City of Johns Creek Operations Services”

• Providence (RI) and Waste Management, Inc. for “Providence Hospitality Resource Partnership”

• Tulsa (OK) and Staubach Company for “Tulsa ‘New’ City Hall”

• Wilmington (DE) and ACS State & Local Solutions for “Parking Enforcement Initiative”

See usmayors.org/bizcouncil for additional information about the Public/Private Partnership Award winners.

An independent panel of judges was appointed by the Conference of Mayors to review the submissions. Criteria upon which their selections were made included: improvement in delivery of services, sustainability, cost savings, creativity of approach, benefits to both public and private partners, economic and business benefits, and measurable results.