By Ed Somers
March 20, 2006

“Let’s Save CDBG Again” was the primary message of thousands of city leaders in Washington (DC) March 11-15 for the National League of Cities (NLC) Congressional City Conference.

Under the leadership of NLC President Clarksburg (WV) Councilmember Jim Hunt, NLC used their City Lobby Day to push Congress to reject a proposed $1 billion cut in the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and instead provide $4.5 billion in formula grants. The state and local coalition supporting CDBG, including the Conference of Mayors, held a joint press conference at the National Press Club on this issue March 15.

Other top NLC priorities included:

• Protecting local authority in any reform of the Communications Act including authority to control rights of way, collect local franchise revenue, and offer municipal broadband service;

• Collaborate with local officials to develop thoughtful and comprehensive immigration reform, recognizing the impact the growing immigrant population has on local budgets, service delivery, and community life; and

• Support federal tax reform proposal that preserve the federal deduction for state and local income taxes, provide tax incentives for community development and housing, and protect tax-exempt bond treatment.

Hunt’s theme for his year is building more inclusive communities, and during his opening remarks he urged city leaders to focus on issues such as affordable housing, education and job training and making sure there is room in all cities for new Americans.

NLC also released their annual “State of the Cities” survey which found that increased health care costs, increasing traffic, and a shortage of affordable housing top the list of concerns identified by cities and towns. The report also found that 80 percent of cities were either directly or indirectly impacted by hurricanes Rita and Katrina.

Over the course of the meeting the NLC heard from speakers including First Lady Laura Bush, Senators George Voinovich (OH), Kent Conrad (ND), Ken Salazar (CO) and Joseph Biden (DE), and Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff.

Bush discussed her Helping America’s Youth initiative designed to benefit children and teenagers by encouraging action in three key areas: family, school, and community. More information on this can be found at www.helpingamericasyouth.gov.