The Council on Metro Economies and the New American City is the economic research arm of the United States Conference of Mayors. Since its inception in 2001, The Council has published over 90 U.S. Metro Economies Reports, and continues to develop models of investment for cities, while identifying trends that will shape the cities of the future.
Senator Tim Scott (SC) Provides Mayors with an Update on Opportunity Zones at 88th Winter Meeting
Council Session Highlights from the 88th Winter Meeting
The Council on Metro Economies and the New American City met at the 88th U.S. Conference of Mayors Winter Meeting, on January 22nd, to hear from leading experts in the fields of economic growth and economic mobility. Thank you to all who participated. Below is a description of the session with links to our speakers’ presentations.
Opportunity Zones and Opportunity Zone Funds
Senator Tim Scott (SC) provided an update on Opportunity Zones and Opportunity Zone regulations. Senator Scott and Senator Cory Booker (NJ) were architects of the original Opportunity Zone provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.
Economic Innovation Group (EIG)
John Lettieri, EIG CEO provided remarks on the work that his organization is doing to help connect mayors to Opportunity Zone Funds.
Everett Mayor Cassie Franklin Provided comments on the work that her city is doing to develop Opportunity Zone projects in Everett.
U.S. Metro Economies Research and and Forecasting
Jim Diffley, of IHS Markit, summarized his economic growth and jobs forecast for 2020.
- Click here to view Jim’s presentation slides
- Click here to view the Council’s latest Metro Economies Report on Economic Growth and Employment
- Click here to view the 2019 GMP Report and 2020 Labor Force Forecast
Economic Mobility
Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther led a discussion on Economic Mobility, and released the 2020 Economic Mobility Report, which features the work that mayors across the country are doing to break down economic barriers, provide economic opportunity, and build intergenerational wealth.
- Click here for a copy of the 2020 Economic Mobility Report
- Click here for a copy of the 2020 Economic Mobility Report Key Findings
Bank of America
Brian Putler, Senior Vice President of State Government Relations Western Region for Bank of America, highlighted the work that the Bank is doing to promote economic mobility in America’s cities. Projects include: the continued expansion of BetterMoneyHabits.com, programs for assisting veterans, and the Bank’s new commitment to raising its minimum wage to $20/hour for hourly employees. The Bank of America Charitable Foundation is the founding sponsor of the DollarWise Campaign, the U.S. Conference of Mayor’s Economic Mobility initiative.
Aspen Institute
Joanna Smith-Ramani discussed her efforts surrounding financial capability as the Managing Director of the Aspen Institute’s Financial Security Program. The Aspen Institute and the Council on Metro Economies and the New American City collaborated to produce a brief to highlight the work that cities are doing to address excessive fines and fees.
Mortgage Bankers Association
Stephen O’Connor, Sr. Vice President of Affordable Housing Initiatives for the the Mortgage Bankers Association, provided an update on his organization’s efforts to respond to affordable housing needs in cities across the country. Senator Tim Scott (SC) provided an update on Opportunity Zones and Opportunity Zone regulations. Senator Scott and Senator Cory Booker (NJ) were architects of the original Opportunity Zone provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.
News and Updates
U.S. Metro Economies 2020 GMP and Unemployment Forecast
Download Report Download Tables Key Findings: 2020 GMP and Unemployment Forecast GMP (Gross Metro Product) The sum of real metro GMP will fall by 8.8% in 2020, equating to a
What Mayors and Their Residents Need to Know About COVID-19 Economic Impact Payments
On March 27 the third federal stimulus bill, the Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act (HR 748), became law. The bill gives millions of Americans the opportunity to receive one-time economic impact payments
How the COVID-19 Federal Stimulus Bills Directly Affect Working Families
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been three stimulus bills passed through Congress that have become law to provide emergency assistance to impacted Americans. The first bill, the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response
Mayors Hold Conference Call to Discuss Opportunity Zone Funds
On Wednesday, February 26, mayors from across the country joined the Council on Metro Economies and the New American City to discuss Opportunity Zone Funds, and how cities can leverage Opportunity Zone Funds to develop
Conference of Mayors Releases 2020 Economic Mobility Report
The United States Conference of Mayors is pleased to release its 2020 Economic Mobility Report. The report features aggregate data that focuses on the implementation and strength of economic mobility programming in our nation’s cities.
New Report: U.S. Metro Areas Continue to Drive Nation’s Economic Growth, Post Fifth Consecutive Year of Increase
For 18th year, U.S. Conference of Mayors releases annual report, forecasts growth of cities and metro regions Washington, D.C. – Today, the U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) released its 18th annual report and forecast on
Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer Announces First Opportunity Zone Investment
On November 5th, Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer announced one of the city's first Opportunity Zone investments by the Marin Group. According to the city, the new project will expand Blacksmith Iron Works, a fabrication and custom
U.S. Treasury/IRS Publish Proposed Regulations on Opportunity Zones
On October 29, 2018 The U.S. Treasury published its first set of proposed regulations governing Opportunity Zone tax incentives. Comment deadline on the proposed rules is December 28, 2018, and a public hearing is scheduled
Statement by U.S. Conference of Mayors President Columbia (SC) Mayor Steve Benjamin on Meeting with Treasury Secretary on Opportunity Zones
Washington, DC—Today, a bipartisan delegation of mayors, led by U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) President Columbia (SC) Mayor Steve Benjamin, met with Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin to discuss the importance of timely and effective IRS
U.S. Conference of Mayors and Ohio Mayors Alliance Release Report on Ohio Metro Economies
The U.S. Conference of Mayors and the Ohio Mayors Alliance today released a report on July 19, 2018 on the importance of Ohio city metro areas to the future growth of the Ohio economy. The
The Council on Metro Economies and the New American City is supported by:
- The Aspen Institute
- Bank of America
- Interise
- The Kresge Foundation
- Launch Pad
- National Association of Home Builders