By Tom McClimon
July 19, 2010

Emphasizing the importance that the arts and tourism play to cities, Conference of Mayors President Burnsville Mayor Elizabeth B. Kautz lead a delegation of mayors and Conference leadership to Florence and Siena, Italy, to discuss with the city officials how cities in both countries can better promote arts and culture and exchange information.

This was the fourth such mission that has taken place between the Conference of Mayors and Florence officials and occurred June 30-July 3. In addition to Kautz, the delegation consisted of Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert, Carmel (IN) Mayor James Brainard, Gastonia (SC) Mayor Jennifer T. Stultz, and Conference of Mayors CEO and Executive Director Tom Cochran.

In a meeting with Florence Mayor Matteo Renzi, Kautz stated, “While you have much to offer in Florence, cites in the United States have much to offer to domestic and international visitors. We can both learn from one another on ways to promote arts and tourism. I have made arts and tourism an important part of my 2010 Metro Agenda for America.” Renzi responded by stating, “We are very happy for an American delegation of mayors to be here so we can exchange ideas on an issue which is the lifeblood of my city. This type of dialogue is an important way for us to learn new ideas, and I look forward to more such exchanges in the future.” Cochran discussed how the arts and tourism issues have been a priority for the organization for the last several years, citing how arts and tourism was part of the “Mayors 10 Point Action Plan” for the 2008 Presidential candidates. Also attending the meeting were the United States Consulate General for Florence Mary Ellen Countryman; Ellyn Toscano, Director of New York University’s Florence campus; Florence Councilor Susanna Agostini; and Florence Deputy Mayor for University Research and Youth Policies Cristina Giachi. At the conclusion of the meeting, the officials from both Florence and the Conference of Mayors agreed to explore further ways to enhance the cooperation between the two organizations.

Prior to the meeting, the mayors were given a presentation on Florence’s new transit system, AFTA, which is designed both to eliminate congestion in the central city region as well as to help facilitate the movement of tourists between important destinations. The first phase of this new light rail system opened in 2010 and, when fully operational in 2015, will be fully integrated with the railway and bus systems. Much of the initial costs of the 255 million Euros ($285 million US) are being financed by the central government. “Even though we are only in the first phase, we have all ready seen the benefits to both the residents and tourists of the new system,” stated Giovanni Mantovani, head engineer for AFTA. Following the presentation the mayors were given a tour of the transits’ control and operational facilities and took a ride on the new system.

In a meeting the next day with the Siena Vice Mayor Mauro Marzucchi, the mayors discussed with the Vice Mayor how the arts play an important role even for a small and historical city as his. “We know the arts and culture exist everywhere, no matter, what size city,” stated Kautz. “What your city has done to preserve this historical heritage is a lesson for us all to take back to our cities.”

In addition to the meetings in Florence and Siena, the mayors had the opportunity to tour the historical city hall of Florence, which itself contains many important works of arts by Renaissance artists such as Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci. The mayors also had the opportunity to visit historical structures in Siena.

Cochran joins with Renzi in welcoming attendees to the annual Independence Day celebration on July 4. Attended by hundreds from the Italian and American communities in Florence, both Renzi and Cochran shared with the audience the news of the recent USCM delegation to Florence. “It was an honor to have the American mayors here and we have agreed to explore new ways to work together,” stated Renzi. Cochran responded, “We have a long friendship between the city of Florence and the Conference of Mayors and there are many promising days ahead,” as he wished the audience a “Happy 4th of July.”

Cochran also met in Rome at the headquarters of ANCI (Italian Conference of Mayors) with Dr. Alessandro Gargani, Vice Director of the association. They discussed how each organization operates, its funding, and communication tools. They agreed to explore new ways to work together, such as participating in each other’s annual conferences, especially on green and climate control issues.