Committees began voting on policy resolutions, including on immigration enforcement, affordable housing, public safety, AI. Eleven cities were recognized for sustainability initiatives.
Tampa, FL – Today, the U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) opened its 93rd Annual Meeting with a bipartisan group of more than 170 mayors gathering in Tampa, Florida. Here, they celebrated the strength of America’s cities, and they discussed ways to protect and boost the economic and public safety gains they’ve achieved in recent years.
“America’s cities continue to be the engines of U.S. economic growth,” said USCM President and Columbus (OH) Mayor Andrew Ginther at the opening press conference. “When America’s cities succeed, America succeeds.”
“Crime and unemployment are down across American cities,” added Oklahoma City (OK) Mayor David Holt, Vice President of the Conference. “We are thriving as America’s chief economic and cultural engines.”
The Meeting also emphasized the importance of local control and a reliable federal partnership to solve big issues such as trade, the cost of living, tariffs, housing, immigration and emergency management.
“To weaken the partnership now is to imperil the lives and livelihoods of millions of Americans,” said Mayor Ginther.
Mayors Urge Federal Agencies to Recalibrate Immigration Enforcement to Protect Public Safety
On immigration, mayors urged better communication from federal authorities and a recalibration of the enforcement activities. “That lack of coordination and information puts everyone at risk, including federal agents doing their job,” said San Diego (CA) Mayor Todd Gloria, the Conference’s Second Vice President, at the opening press conference.
“The truth is the tactics need to be changed, the uniforms need to be modified, and I really believe there needs to be better coordination with local law enforcement,” added former police chief Fresno (CA) Mayor Jerry Dyer.
“Focus that energy on a system that is broken,” said Tampa (FL) Mayor Jane Castor, another former police chief.
Mayor Ginther announced that the Conference will vote on a new policy resolution on immigration. It urges the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency to notify local authorities in advance of any planned ICE action, to “conduct those actions in as orderly and unprovocative way possible,” to focus on “convicted, serious criminals,” and to clarify federal and local roles in protest response.
Housing Survey Illustrates Ongoing Affordability Crisis
The first day also featured the release of a new housing survey, co-sponsored by the Bipartisan Policy Center and Capital One Insights Center. It found most mayors expect the housing affordability crisis to worsen, especially if Washington doesn’t change course, including on federal trade policy. “We must build more housing – period,” said San Diego (CA) Mayor Todd Gloria at the opening press conference.
Meanwhile, at the Climate Protection Awards Luncheon, eleven cities received recognition for local initiatives on sustainability. Colton (CA) Mayor Frank Navarro won an award for an Urban Heat Resilience program. San Francisco (CA) Mayor Daniel Lurie won for a clean energy program.
Cross-Border Mayors Decry Costs of Trade War and Tariffs
During the opening plenary, American and Canadian mayors criticized the harms of new U.S. tariffs on families, small businesses, and critical industries. “Tariffs are bad for both sides,” said Mayor Drew Dilkens of Canada’s Windsor, Ontario. USCM President Columbus (OH) Mayor Ginther noted the tariffs will cost the average American household $2,600 this year. “Mayors are leading where others are lagging,” said Mayor Ginther.
Committees Start Advancing Resolutions on Policy Priorities
The Conference’s standing committees started considering policy resolutions, which the full Conference will vote to approve on Sunday. Once they’re fully approved, the resolutions will guide the Conference’s advocacy and priorities for the year ahead.
- Technology and Innovation: Led by Sunnyvale (CA) Mayor Larry Klein, committee members advanced four resolutions on local AI regulation, cybersecurity, semiconductors, and rental compliance software. Mayor Klein shared how his city uses AI to live-translate council meetings in 60 languages. Redmond (WA) Mayor Angela Birney explained how her city’s first responders use drones.
- Children, Health and Human Services: Allentown (PA) Mayor Matt Tuerk led the committee session, where members advanced seven resolutions, including two defending the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid from major cuts in President Trump’s tax bill. Austin (TX) Mayor Kirk Watson pointed to the growing cost of child care. The committee heard from Acting Assistant Secretary Andrew Gradison from the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
- Jobs, Education and the Workforce: Led by Pensacola (FL) Mayor D.C. Reeves, committee members passed six resolutions on the Child Tax Credit, the Pell Grant program, regional food systems, and local workforce development. Tampa (FL) Mayor Jane Castor promoted youth service programs.
- Environment: Led by Columbia (MO) Mayor Barbara Buffaloe, members advanced nine resolutions on wastewater, food waste, affordable housing, hazardous waste, and federal scientific funding. The committee heard from Gina McCarthy, former Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) administrator and White House National Climate Advisor.
The Annual Meeting continues tomorrow and Saturday before concluding on Sunday, when the mayors will vote on the next officers of the Conference and the policy priorities for the year ahead.