Atlanta, GA — Today concluded the first U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) Public-Private Partnerships (P3) Council meeting where mayors and business leaders gathered to network and learn about opportunities, challenges, and best practices around public-private partnerships in America’s cities. Atlanta (GA) Mayor Andre Dickens, Chair of the Conference’s P3 Taskforce, presided over the meeting.
“Our first Public-Private Partnerships Council meeting laid the groundwork for our objectives in the years to come,” said Mayor Dickens. “The past two days brought together some of the most influential people in our country, mayors and business leaders, to find innovative ways to combine our efforts and maximize the positive impact we can have in our cities and across our nation.”
“I am grateful to Mayor Dickens and the U.S. Conference of Mayors for convening this important discussion, which highlighted both the promising solutions and stubborn challenges that mayors and industry leaders juggle as we work to make our cities more resilient, sustainable and inclusive. These partnerships don’t just bring capital to the table, but also new technologies and innovative approaches that will help to build better infrastructure for all residents in cities across America,” said David Gilford, Head of Policy and Strategic Partnerships at Sidewalk Infrastructure Partners and Founding member of USCM’s P3 Council Advisory Board.
Former Columbia (SC) Mayor Steve Benjamin, and current Senior Advisor to the President and Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement, shared remarks virtually during the meeting.
Launched at the Conference’s 90th Annual Meeting, the P3 Council aims to empower mayors to enlist the help of businesses and non-profits to improve local infrastructure and services for residents, workers, and families.