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Following 9/11, Unprecedented Year of Action for Conference of Mayors
Homeland Security, Economic Security Major Goals of Mayors The Past Year
By Guy F. Smith
September 19, 2002
The tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001, dramatically changed the tempo of the U.S. Conference of Mayors and all the mayors of the United States.
When the planes crashed into the twin towers of the World Trade Center and the Pentagon more than a year ago, then Conference President New Orleans Mayor Marc H. Morial, Conference Executive Director J. Thomas Cochran and nationally recognized political columnist David Broder were having breakfast at the Willard Hotel a scant two blocks from The White House.
Broder was being briefed on a plan of the Conference of Mayors for a fall leadership meeting in Santa Barbara and Los Angeles, and the launching of a national tour, the Competitive Cities Tour, to demonstrate that U.S. urban centers are the engines behind the then pulsating national economy.
When news of the calamity unfolding reached the trio, Mayor Morial and Cochran were rushed to the District of Columbia command center to join Washington Mayor Anthony A. Williams to monitor emergency preparedness measures being taken in the Washington area following the plane crash at the Pentagon.
That day was the first in a year of unprecedented steps by the Conference of Mayors, and the mayors of the United States, in assuring that the cities of America received top priority from the Bush Administration and the Congress in all Homeland Security measures.
The following is a brief chronology of the Year in Review. While it emphasizes The Conference's actions on Homeland Security, the usual work of The Conference also proceeded apace: preserving continued investment in a national rail policy, advocating maintenance of housing and workforce investment, watching a Brownfields Bill become law after eight years of Conference lobbying—in short the entire gamut of Conference policy, which includes many other issues affectin U.S. cities.
As recorded in the pages of USMayor for the past year, then, are the following:
Sept. 24, 2001
Conference, in aftermath of 9/11, cancels Competitive Cities Tour.
Conference establishes "Mayors Emergency Response and Homefront Readiness Hotline".
Morial calls for Federalization of Airport Security Service. He's joined by Los Angeles James K. Hahn who was in The White House on 9/11 when the tragedies unfolded.
On national television (CNN), four mayors discuss the impact of terrorism on their cities and their economies. They were New Orleans Mayor Marc H. Morial, Denver Mayor Wellington E. Webb, Los Angeles Mayor James K. Hahn and Columbus (GA) Mayor Bobby Peters.
Dec. 17, 2001
Mayor Morial announces plan for Historic Winter Meeting in both Washington and New York following meeting with New York Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg.
Baltimore Mayor Matin O-Malley testifies in Senate Judiciary Committee in support of legislation to increase sharing of intelligence.
Morial, in Dec. 11 Senate hearing, unveils Conference's "National Action Plan for Safety and Security in America's Cities."
Mayors confer with U.S. Department of Transportation Security Norm Mineta on Aviation Security.
Jan. 14, 2002
Conference gears up for 70th Winter Meeting. FBI Director, Homeland Security Director, DOT Secretary to join Mayors.
Feb. 4, 2002
Mayors in Washington, New York for 70th Annual Event. Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton pledges support for Conference Priorities.
In Washington, President Bush in White House meeting with Mayors unveils $3.5 billion First Responder Homeland Security legislation.
House Ways and Means Ranking Committee Member Charles B. Rangel calls for direct aid to help cities fight terrorism at Winter Meeting in New York.
March 4, 2002
In Key West Leadership Meeting, Mayors map strategy on FY 2003 Budget Priorities. Community policing, Homeland Security discussed.
200 U.S. Mayors host New York City Firefighters in their cities. Conference and NYC and Company program thanks firefighters for heroic efforts.
March 18, 2002
Mayors and Police Chiefs lobby Congress for direct Homeland Security funding.
Conference priority in Homeland Security Advisory System embodied in new Federal Threat advisory system.
April 1, 2002
North Little Rock Mayor Patrick Henry Hays before Senate Crime and Drug Subcommittee to urge funding for police.
April 15, 2002
Baltimore Mayor Martin O-Malley, Dearborn Mayor Michael A. Guido stress local role in Homeland Security to Senate Appropriations Committee.
April 29, 2002
International Conference of Mayors founded, first meeting in Washington, D.C.
Conference strongly supports Dept. of Justice new Homeland Security Advisory System
April 25th three-hour meeting of mayors with Homeland Security Director Tom Ridge. Scot King of Gary, Patrick McRory of Charlotte, Martin O-Malley of Baltimore participate.
May 13, 2002
Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino takes gavel May 7 as new Conference of Mayors President. Menino announces National Housing Forum in Washington May 21-22 and sets Affordable Housing as major Conference priority for his term.
June 3, 2002
Nation's Mayors gear up for 70th Annual Meeting in Madison. Homeland Security, Economic Security issues at center stage.
June 10, 2002
Menino stresses strong cities, strong families at center stage for Madison meeting.
July 1, 2002
Homeland Security Director Tom Ridge in Madison promises partnership with Mayors in anti-terrorism effort. FEMA director, Defense Department Homelands Security director addresss Mayors.
August 5, 2002
Menino presses priority issues for Sept. 26 "Lobby Day" in Washington. Special Leadership Meeting in Boston includes discussion on Border Security.
Sept. 9, 2002
Menino to lead Mayors in Sept. 26 "Lobby Day." Focus set on Homeland, Economic Security issues.
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