By Larry Jones
February 11, 2008

During its January 24 meeting, members of the National Conference of Democratic Mayors elected Providence (RI) Mayor David N. Cicilline as President to replace out going Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin, whose term expired at the Winter Meeting. Members also elected Southfield (MI) Mayor Brenda L. Lawrence as Vice President for Policy, Albuquerque Mayor Martin J. Chávez as Vice President for Finance, and Detroit Mayor Kwame M. Kilpatrick as Vice President and DNC representative.

Also, Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels, who was elected as chairman of the U.S. Conference of Mayors Advisory Board last June, decided to step down as Vice President for Communications. However, members decided to hold off on electing a replacement until the Annual Meeting in June.

Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper extended an invitation to all members to attend the Democratic Convention scheduled for August in Denver and provided an update on the city’s plans for hosting the event. Members also heard from Sky Gallegos, deputy chief executive officer for intergovernmental relations of the Democratic National Convention Committee, and David Boundy, political director from the Democratic National Committee.