By Erin Wenglekowski
February 12, 2007

The United States Conference of Mayors recognized outstanding partnerships between cities and companies January 25 at the Conference of Mayors 75th Annual Winter Meeting.

During opening remarks, Conference President Trenton Mayor Douglas H. Palmer commented on the important 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, Chair of the Mayors and Business Community Task Force Las Vegas Mayor Oscar B. Goodman remarked, “We must have cities and businesses — mayors and CEO’s — working together for the long term prosperity of our cities and our nation.”

In addition to Goodman, Conference Executive Director Tom Cochran participated in the awards presentation for best practices in Miami, Houston, Las Cruces, Seattle and Trenton.

Cochran highlighted the growth of the Mayors’ Business Council stating, “The Conference relationship with the Business Community is stronger than ever. We now have more than 110 members.” He pledged to continue future growth and strength of the Mayors’ Business Council.

The award winners are as follows:

• Miami and InCharge Education Foundation, Inc. for the BPOP Miami FL project.

• Houston and Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP for the Project Houston Hope — LARA.

• Las Cruces and Comcast Cable for the City of Las Cruces Television project.

• Seattle and Starbucks Coffee Company for the Powell Barnett Legacy Park Project.

• Trenton and The Sherwin Williams Company for the HOMEWORK project.

See usmayors.org/bizcouncil for more information on each Public/Private Partnership Award winner.

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.

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.