“Oklahoma City Declaration” reaffirms mayors’ commitment to American values of pluralism, compromise, truth and civility

WASHINGTON, D.C. —  The U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) announced today that 230 Republican, Democratic and Independent mayors from 41 states and Puerto Rico have signed a declaration to de-escalate our nation’s political tensions and reject violence and dehumanizing rhetoric. Titled the Oklahoma City Declaration, the agreement was first shared last month at the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, the site of the deadliest act of domestic terrorism in living memory.

“We work together despite being registered with different political parties, or with no political party at all. We embrace our shared experience as mayors, as humans, and as Americans,” the mayors write. “With this declaration, we reject political violence and recommit to the American experiment.”

In the 10-point declaration, the mayors celebrate America’s democracy as “an outlier in human history” and an “alternative to political violence” that has “unleashed unprecedented freedom, prosperity and innovation upon the entire world.” However, they also acknowledge its fragility, saying it requires three fundamental values: pluralism, compromise, and persuasion through debate and that without a commitment to these qualities, our unique form of government could drift toward dehumanization and, ultimately, violence.

Through the declaration’s tenets, each of the 230 signatories condemns violence, defends civility, rejects dehumanizing language, refuses to demonize groups, and vows to avoid apocalyptic rhetoric. They promise to defend the truth and celebrate restraint. Together, America’s mayors underscore everyone’s shared humanity, saying “we are humans first, Americans second, and partisans last.”

“This declaration from America’s mayors comes at a pivotal time in our nation’s history,” said U.S. Conference of Mayors President David Holt, Mayor of Oklahoma City. “If everyone in American political life affirmed their commitment to the principles found in this Declaration, we would see a dramatic shift in this country overnight. Mayors are best positioned to set the example, and with this Declaration, I hope we inspire others in positions of responsibility to consider making similar public commitments.”

America’s mayors see a special obligation to make this declaration and uphold these values because they play a critical role in daily governance. “Running a city demands constant action and results. And so, every day, mayors guide our residents through these democratic processes, respecting pluralism, seeking compromise, and using the art of persuasion.”

The full text of the Oklahoma City Declaration and a complete list of the signatories can be found HERE.