By Lina Garcia
September 17, 2012

The influence and local accomplishments of U.S. mayors was highly evident by the unprecedented number of mayors selected to deliver speeches and serve in leadership roles at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte September 4-6.

On the afternoon of opening Convention ceremonies, The U.S. Conference of Mayors and its President, Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter, hosted a luncheon for participating mayors to promote the Conference of Mayors bi-partisan “Building a Better America” infrastructure investment agenda. Notable party leaders who participated in the event included: DNC Convention Chair and immediate USCM Past President Los Angeles Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa, House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (CA), Alaska Senator Mark Begich, Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley, Kentucky Lieutenant Governor Jerry Abramson, and National Urban League President Marc Morial.

Also, USCM Second Vice President Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson participated in a panel discussion alongside former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, former New York Yankees Center Fielder and Latin Grammy nominee Bernie Williams and others on the economic and social importance of arts investments. The forum was co-hosted by Americans for the Arts, the Conference of Mayors and several other key organizations.

The Huffington Post hosted a panel discussion, moderated by renowned television journalist and author Tom Brokaw, where San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro, a rapidly rising star on the national stage, outlined solutions to America’s Jobs Crisis.

Houston Mayor Annise Parker, Florence, Italy Mayor Matteo Renzi and Nutter served on an international panel hosted by the National Democratic Institute, Conference of Mayors and other organizations. The forum discussion was hosted by Harvard Law Professor Charles Ogletree and Center for American Progress President Neera Tanden highlighted pressing issues for cities worldwide including infrastructure, job creation, bipartisan cooperation at the local level, and the importance of arts and culture to the economy.

Villaraigosa ran official Convention business each day at the Time Warner Arena and officially named Barack Obama and Joe Biden as the Democratic Party’s nominees for President and Vice President.

Throughout the gathering of more than 5,000 party faithfuls and 35,000 members of the media, Nutter was featured on top news shows during the convention including: CNN Starting Point with Soledad O’Brien, CNN World Business Today, CNN Suzanne Malveaux show, MSNBC Daily Rundown with Chuck Todd, NPR “Tell Me More,” and the Wall Street Journal.

In addition, numerous mayors addressed convention delegates and spectators, including Nutter, Villaraigosa, Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino, Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak, a primetime keynote address by Castro, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, and Newark Mayor Cory Booker.