June 2, 2008

On the eve of the 2008 Presidential election, more than 300 mayors and 1,000 participants will gather in Miami for the premier national event on cities and national leadership.

Led by USCM President Trenton Mayor Douglas H. Palmer and hosted by USCM Vice President Miami Mayor Manuel A. Diaz, the meeting will focus on priorities such as securing $2 billion for the new Energy Block Grant and climate protection, the housing crisis, crime reduction, infrastructure, and much more as detailed in the Mayors 10-Point Plan: Strong Cities, Strong Families, for a Strong America.

Senators John McCain, Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton have been invited to participate in the Miami meeting. As the letters of invitation state, “So much innovation is taking place in cities across America that can help our nation address economic and social problems, and compete in the global economy. That is why now, more than ever, we must strengthen the partnership between the federal government and cities on key priorities…”

All mayors are asked to contact the presidential candidates and urge them to participate in the Annual Conference.

Palmer and the USCM Leadership have directed the organization’s policy standing committees to help guide the development of presidential transition priorities, building on the Mayors 10-Point Plan. To that end, it has been agreed that the standing committees will not have outside speakers during the 76th Annual Conference, and will use their work sessions for mayoral discussion on key priorities to be taken to the next Administration, as well as for the adoption of official USCM policy resolutions.

The Standing Committees will meet Friday and Saturday, June 20 and 21 as outlined in the draft agenda posted on usmayors.org. The work of the Standing Committees will then culminate on Monday, June 23 during two sessions.

In the morning, there will be the Business Session during which resolutions will be debated and adopted.

Then on Monday afternoon, there will be a special “Mayors-Only Strategy Session on Preparing for the Presidential Transition.”

Diaz and the Miami host committee are arranging evening events that highlight the strength, culture and diversity of Miami.

FRIDAY: Vizcaya Museum and Gardens...Showcasing the sophistication and grandeur of Miami’s International Community.

Vizcaya was built by agricultural industrialist James Deering, who wintered on the property from 1916-1925. Today, the extraordinary European-inspired estate and National Historic Landmark includes a house filled with art and furnishings, and ten acres of gardens on Biscayne Bay. Vizcaya is a popular place for weddings and other special events. www.vizcayamuseum.org

SATURDAY: Calle Ocho/Little Havana...One of the world’s most renowned street parties.

Little Havana is noted for its lively supper clubs where delicious food and live Latin music go hand in hand. You can enjoy strong Cuban coffee and pastries at window-front cafes around the clock, or purchase some hand-rolled cigars, art and paintings along with a guayabera shirt for you and your friends back home. At Maximo Gomez Park, informally known as “Domino Park”, it’s always fun to watch the locals playing dominoes or chess.

SUNDAY: Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts...Culture and the Arts highlighted with an array of special guest performances.

With its state-of-the-art theaters, beautiful outdoor plazas, elegantly appointed private salons, and comfortable and flexible lobbies, rooms, and theaters, Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County has just the right space for every occasion. The Ballet Opera House, Knight Concert Hall and Ziff Ballet Opera House.

MONDAY: South Beach...American Beach bash mingles with an Art Deco twist.

Glitz, glamour and good times are the name of the game in fashionable South Beach. Beautifully restored Art Deco hotels set the stage for non-stop nightlife; dinner and cocktails at chic outdoor cafes; and shopping and strolling popular pedestrian spots including Ocean Drive, Lincoln Road and Espanola Way. There are a variety of interesting meeting spaces in South Beach, including galleries, hotels, vintage theaters and museums.