By Dave Gatton
April 14, 2003

The U.S. Conference of Mayors and the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) will convene a special national town meeting in Las Vegas, NV, on May 19 to encourage more commercial and real estate investment in America's cities.

Led by Conference President Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino, mayors will discuss with over 2,000 developers and retail representatives how cities can promote investment, remove barriers to development and make their cities more competitive in the retail market place.

ICSC is a member of the Conference's Council for Investment in the New American City, chaired by Detroit Mayor Kwame M. Kilpatrick, which promotes national forums to spur urban investment and revitalization in U.S. cities.

Menino, speaking before a regional ICSC gathering in April, said, "let me thank ICSC and particularly Herb Tyson for the partnership they have formed with the U.S. Conference of Mayors. I was one of the first mayors to attend the ICSC annual meeting a few years ago; now, thanks to our work together, over 700 local officials will be at the conference. It's a great opportunity for a mayor to sell his city."

ICSC conducts a "leasing mall" at its convention where thousands of developers and commercial retail representatives negotiate deals. Experts estimate that over two-thirds of leasing arrangements originate at the meeting.

On the afternoon of May 19th, mayors will hold special roundtable discussions with developers to discuss investment opportunities in their cities.

Kilpatrick said, "We are excited about featuring America's mayors before this incredible audience of developers. The Investment Council looks forward to a growing partnership with the ICSC."

Conference Vice President Hempstead Mayor James Garner has attended the ICSC meeting on several occasions, landing a major retail mall for his city. "If a mayor wants to attract investment to his city, this is the place to be," he said.

Nationally known facilitator Meryl Comer, former host of "It's Your Business" television show for over ten years, will moderate the national town meeting, which will occur Monday morning before a plenary audience of the convention.

On Sunday, May 18th, the mayor will be the special guest of ICSC's governing board.

For registration information, please contact Carol Edwards at the Conference 202-293-7330.