By Nicole Maharaj
July 12, 2004

The Women Mayors held their annual breakfast meeting June 25 during the Conference of Mayors 72nd Annual Meeting. The outgoing Chair, San Leandro Mayor Shelia Young led the meeting. Young has been instrumental in bringing more structure and direction to the group over her two-year tenure as Chair. Over the last two years, the Caucus has adopted an official mission and vision statement, which allows the group to forward policy suggestions to appropriate standing committees within the organization.

This year, the Caucus forwarded one policy resolution to the Criminal and Social Justice Committee on Domestic Violence and International Human Rights Abuse Prevention and signed onto a resolution with the Transportation Committee Chair Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels on Reauthorization of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) which were both passed and adopted as Conference policy. Young also instituted an advisory panel, consisting of women mayors already serving in the Conference leadership, to help guide and direct the efforts of the group. She also instituted a Vice-Chair position ensuring continuity and needed transition into the Chair position.

Young has led a productive tenure as Chair of the Women Mayors. "It has been a challenging and rewarding opportunity for me to serve as Chair of the Women Mayors' Caucus over the last two years. I want to thank each of you for your support and patience, especially this past year in bringing more structure to the Caucus. I look forward to continuing to work with all of you and the new Chair to enhance more meaningful and productive relationships with each other," said Young.

Three cities were able to make best practice presentations about their most innovative programs and/or projects during the meeting including Kansas City Mayor Kay Barnes, Redmond (CA) Mayor Rosemarie M. Ives and Dallas Mayor Laura Miller. Key time was allowed for questions and answers from the panelists, which fostered a true learning and sharing environment during the meeting.

Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin was installed as the new Chair of the Caucus and Barnes was installed as the new Vice Chair. Both Franklin and Barnes offered the following remarks about their new roles.

"I am honored to serve as the new Chair of the Women Mayors' Caucus. I look forward to working with the women mayors and top female corporate leaders from across this nation on substantive issues important to cities, especially those which affect and impact women. Building on the recent efforts of Mayor Young, I hope to serve as a catalyst for change by stimulating new vision and direction for our group. I believe the cohesive nature of our caucus, with our vision and objectives clearly stated, will lead to greater impact on future policy and legislative initiatives undertaken by the Conference," said Franklin.

"I am grateful for your support in choosing me as the new Vice Chair for the Women Mayors' Caucus. I pledge my personal commitment in assisting the Chair in moving our initiatives forward over the coming years. I anticipate there will be continued progress and positive changes. Collectively as a group we can make a difference," said Barnes.

Barbara Lee, President and CEO of the Barbara Lee Foundation addressed the group as the keynote speaker tools for empowering women to run for higher office, especially for governor. The mission of the foundation is to strengthen democracy by advancing women's leadership in society. Special projects of the foundation include: the Women's Appointment Project, co'sponsored with the National Council of Women's Organizations and the National Women's Political Caucus; Women's eNews, a project of National Organizations for Women Legal Defense and Education Fund; the Million Mom March; the Boston Women's Memorial; and, a Center for American Women in Politics study of women legislatures' impact on public policy.

Lee will host and present July 27 Revolutionary Women Boston 2004, a showcase of women's political power and leadership at the local, state and federal levels featuring Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, Ambassador Carol Moseley Braun, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm as well as a host of other important dignitaries. For more information about the event, contact Melissa Graham at 617-265-6700.