U.S. officials are continuing to monitor and respond to an outbreak of respiratory disease caused by a novel (new) coronavirus that was first detected in China and which has now been detected and spreading in locations internationally – including in the United States. The virus has been named “SARS-CoV-2” and the disease it causes has been named “coronavirus disease 2019” (abbreviated “COVID-19”).
The United States Conference of Mayors has a long history of working closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and multiple Administrations in preparing or responding to past infectious disease outbreaks. Thus, we hope the information on this page below serves as a resource for you, city staff, and agency leadership as you continue to keep your residents and businesses best informed and prepared related to this evolving threat.
In addition to the resources here, we encourage mayors to join the Bloomberg Philathropies Coronavirus Local Response Initiative. Learn more here.
Featured Resources for Mayors
Latest Video
April 29, 2020: House Ways and Means Chairman Richard E. Neal joins Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley, Columbia, SC Mayor Steve Benjamin, Santa Fe Mayor Alan Webber, Arlington, TX Mayor Jeff Williams, and Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto to discuss the constraints impacting city government budgets due to COVID-19.
City Guidelines and Best Practices
Mayor are working closely with their local public health agencies to disseminate information to the general public, schools, businesses, outgoing travelers and other. Below are some best practices that you may want to replicate in your city. This information will be updated regularly and the Conference encourages Mayors to share their best practices as a resource to their peers across the country. To share activities and resources with the Conference, please email Dalen Harris.
- San Francisco City Guidance
- New York City Department of Public Health & Office of the Mayor Guidance
- Seattle & King County Public Health
- Chicago Coronavirus Response Center
- Rochester Hills (MI) COVID-19 Information
- Boston COVID-19 City Guidance and Resources
- Louisville: What You Need to Know about Coronavirus
- Los Angeles City Services in Response to COVID-19 & City Guidelines
- Little Rock COVID-19 City Guidelines
- Atlanta Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Response
- Boca Raton City Guidance
- COVID-19 (coronavirus) Carmel (IN) Cares
- Tuscaloosa City Guidance
- Long Beach City Guidance
- Dallas COVID-19 City Guidance
- Dayton COVID-19 Resources
- Providence COVID-19 City Guidance & External Resources
- Austin COVID–19 City Guidance
- Gresham City Guidance
- COVID-19 Carmel (IN) Cares
- Hallandale Beach (FL) COVID-19 Resources
- Des Moines City Guidance
- Mesa (AZ) COVID-19 City Updates
- Miami COVID-19 Information Page
- Houston Health Department City Guidance
- Columbia (SC) City Guidance
- Newark COVID-19 Resources
Status of COVID-19 Cases in the United States
These data represent cases detected and tested in the United States through U.S. public health surveillance systems since January 21, 2020. This includes both confirmed and presumptive positive cases reported to CDC. It does not include people who returned to the U.S. via State Department-chartered flights.
This data will be updated regularly by 4pm Mondays through Friday. Last Updated on August 6, 2020.
Operational Best Practices for Mayors
How to Prepare and Take Action for COVID-19
Latest Updates from the Conference
Tomorrow: Nation’s “Rust Belt” Mayors Urgently Call On Washington For Direct Funds To Address Ongoing Public Health Pandemic
COVID-19 decimating local budgets in flyover states already hit hard by manufacturing decline Washington, D.C. – Tomorrow, bipartisan mayors from Michigan, Ohio and Pennsylvania will hold a media conference call at 12:00 p.m. ET to discuss the health
Mayors to President Trump: Cities Need Direct Financial Assistance Now
Budget Shortfalls and Ongoing Economic Woes Due to COVID-19 Forcing Continued Cuts to Local Services and Jobs Washington, D.C. – As negotiations on the next COVID-19 legislative package drag on, cities across America face the
State Delegations of Mayors Press Their Senators to Provide Direct Aid to Cities
Mayors from Across the Country Send Urgent Messages to Their Federal Lawmakers Washington, D.C. – As cities stand to lose more than $1 trillion in economic output this year, mayors are banding together to urge
National League of Cities, U.S. Conference of Mayors to Host Joint Press Conference in Response to Release of Senate GOP Coronavirus Relief Package
Washington, D.C. — Today, the National League of Cities (NLC) and the U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) will host a joint virtual press conference at 1:00 P.M. ET. with municipal leaders from across the country
Nation’s Mayors to Senate Republicans: It’s Unacceptable to Leave Cities Behind
Washington, DC – Today Senate Republicans released draft legislation related to the COVID-19 pandemic. In response, Louisville Mayor and President of the United States Conference of Mayors Greg Fischer issued the following statement: “Cities must
New Research Highlights Economic Challenges Facing American Cities From COVID-19 Pandemic
With a More Than One Trillion Dollars Loss of Economic Output, Metro Economies Study Underscores Need for Direct Aid from Congress Washington, D.C. – Today, the U.S. Conference Mayors (USCM) released a Metro Economies Report
Statement by U.S. Conference of Mayors on Death of 100,000 Americans from COVID-19
Washington, DC —Below is a statement by Bryan K. Barnett, Mayor of Rochester Hills, MI and President of the United States Conference of Mayors, on the death of 100,000 Americans from the Coronavirus: “As the
ADVISORY: America’s Mayors, Fire Fighters Call for Direct Federal Aid to Ensure Public Safety During this Pandemic
COVID-19 has impacted police and fire services in cities across the country Washington, D.C.— On Wednesday, May 27th, the U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) and International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) will hold a media conference call
Budget Shortfalls Continue to Cause Real Pain for Cities, as Senate Debates Critically Needed Aid
Louisville, Aurora and Tempe Among Cities Experiencing Fiscal Pain Washington, D.C. – As the fiscal pain caused by the COVID-19 pandemic continues to ravage cities and towns across America, the United States Conference of Mayors
Nation’s Mayors Applaud House Passage of the HEROES Act
Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Conference of Mayors President and Rochester Hills (MI) Mayor Bryan K. Barnett released the following statement on the U.S. House of Representatives’ passage of the HEROES Act, the 4th COVID-19 supplemental
Furloughs and Painful Service Cuts: COVID-19 is Having Devastating Effects on Cities Everywhere
U.S. Conference of Mayors Has Launched a Fiscal Pain Tracker to Highlight the Real Challenges Facing Cities Washington, D.C. – The fiscal pain caused by the COVID-19 pandemic is not theoretical – it's manifesting itself
Red State Mayors: This Crisis is Devastating Cites Everywhere
In Media Call, USCM Renews Appeal for Direct Funding for Cities of All Sizes Washington, D.C.— Yesterday, the U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) hosted a media conference call urging Congress to provide direct assistance to cities
Nation’s Mayors Applaud House Introduction of The Heroes Act
Washington, DC—Below is a statement by U.S. Conference of Mayors President and Rochester Hills (MI) Mayor Bryan K. Barnett on the Heroes Act, the 4th COVID-19 supplemental package introduced today by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi,
ADVISORY: Red State Mayors to Call on Congress to Provide Urgent Aid to Cities
Pandemic has strained resources in cities of all sizes, in every state Washington, D.C.— On Tuesday, May 12th, the U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) will hold a media conference call at 11:00 a.m. ET to discuss the urgent need
The U.S. Conference of Mayors Launches COVID-19 Fiscal Pain Tracker
New Resource Tracks City-Specific Budget Deficits and Budget-Balancing Measures Including Layoffs, Furloughs and Service Cuts Washington, DC—Today, the United States Conference of Mayors (USCM) launched the Mayors COVID-19 Fiscal Pain Tracker, a resource that provides
Mayors, Police Chiefs Send Letters to Congressional Leaders Urging Fiscal Assistance for Cities and First Responders
Washington, DC—Today, on behalf of the nation’s mayors and the police chiefs of major cities across America, the Presidents of the U.S. Conference of Mayors and Major Cities Chiefs Association sent letters to Senate Majority
U.S. Conference of Mayors and NYU-Affiliated Institutions Announce the Mayors Advisory Panel on Sports, Recreation & Health
Will advise mayors, sports, and recreation officials on safe reopening policies Washington, DC—A high-level advisory group of some of the country’s leading public health and sports experts has been established to advise mayors and sports
In Conversation with House Chairman, Mayors Express Urgent Needs in Fight Against COVID-19
Washington, DC—Today, the United States Conference of Mayors (USCM) held a video discussion with House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richard E. Neal (D-MA) about the growing fiscal challenge the COVID-19 pandemic
U.S. Conference of Mayors to Join House Ways & Means Chairman for Live Discussion on the COVID-19 Crisis
Mayors from New Mexico, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Texas will discuss the importance of federal support for cities Washington, DC – Tomorrow, April 29, at 11:30 a.m. EDT, the United States Conference of Mayors
Nation’s Mayors Determined to Secure Federal Aid Needed to Combat COVID-19 Pandemic
Washington, DC—Below is a statement by Tom Cochran, CEO and Executive Director of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, on the absence of fiscal assistance for local governments in the latest interim Coronavirus funding bill: “We
U.S. Mayors to Congress: This Crisis is Urgent, Cities Need Help Now
WASHINGTON, DC – As lawmakers in Washington debate the next coronavirus response package, critical resources for American cities hang in the balance. The U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) continues to call on Congress to make
The Economy and Cities: What America’s Leaders Are Seeing
About This Survey The National League of Cities and the United States Conference of Mayors put together a survey of cities, towns, and villages to create a snapshot of the economic conditions of
Cities Report Pandemic Creating Painful Budget Shortfalls, May Force Furloughs and Layoffs
Findings Highlight the Need for Congress to Address the Fiscal Crisis Facing Cities of All Sizes WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the top leaders of the United States Conference of Mayors (USCM) and the National League
Nation’s Mayors Urge Congress to Send Emergency Fiscal Assistance Using CDBG Structure
Washington, DC— The United States Conference of Mayors (USCM) has sent a letter to the leadership of the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate urging that the “Interim Supplemental” currently being negotiated provide $53.55
Statement: U.S. Conference of Mayors Supports Congressional Efforts to Pass Additional Emergency COVID-19 Relief for Cities
Washington, DC—Below is a statement by Tom Cochran, CEO and Executive Director of the United States Conference of Mayors, on the legislative proposals put forward today by Congressional leaders on additional emergency COVID-19 relief for
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
Helping City Employees Negotiate the COVID-19 Economy
Important Cares Act Information for Your City and Your Employees The recently passed Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) has provisions within it to help individuals and businesses, including city employees. Nationwide, a
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
Nation’s Mayors Urge President Trump to Fully Enforce the Defense Production Act
Washington, DC—Today, the United States Conference of Mayors (USCM) sent a letter to President Donald J. Trump urging him to fully enforce the Defense Production Act, as authorized by Congress, to increase the production of
Small Business Assistance During COVID-19
The Coronavirus and COVID-19 have ravaged small businesses across the nation. Both the immediate and long-term impacts are still unknown. These businesses are the heart of America’s economy and a critical part of the fabric
Mayors to President Trump: Help Us Secure Critical Covid-19 Emergency Equipment
Washington, DC—Today, the leadership of the U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) sent a letter to President Donald J. Trump asking for help in securing critical supplies and equipment needed to safeguard first responders and healthcare
CITY DATA: Survey of 213 Mayors Reveals Extent of Shortage of COVID-19 Emergency Equipment
Results find cities in need of PPE, test kits, face masks and ventilators WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the United States Conference of Mayors (USCM) released a new survey of 213 cities from 41 states and
Expanding the COVID-19 Local Response Initiative, Mike Bloomberg Announces New Program to Help Cities Navigate, Access, and Deploy Federal Aid
In Partnership with the U.S. Conference of Mayors the program will assist Cities in Documenting Costs and Ensuring Proper Reimbursement of Federal Funding to Support Local Response and Recovery March 26, 2020, NEW YORK- Bloomberg
U.S. Conference of Mayors Urges Congress to Lower Population Level Eligible for Aid
Draft House Bill Provides Aid Only to Cities Above 500,000 Residents WASHINGTON – As lawmakers hurry to finalize a legislative package responding to the coronavirus pandemic, the U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) is urging them
NEW: More than 300 Mayors Join Bipartisan Request for $250 Billion Directed to Cities to Fight Coronavirus, Protect Families & Communities
WASHINGTON, DC – Earlier this week, the leadership of the United States Conference of Mayors sent an urgent request to lawmakers as they prepare the next phase of a federal response to the coronavirus outbreak.
United States Conference of Mayors Requests $250 Billion in Localized Aid to Fight Virus, Maintain City Services, Help Workers and Local Businesses
WASHINGTON, DC – As lawmakers deliberate on the next phase of the federal response to the coronavirus outbreak, the U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) has sent an urgent request for resources to House and Senate
Nation’s Mayors to Congress: Direct Funding to Cities Critical to Coronavirus Response
Washington, DC—Below is a statement from Bryan K. Barnett, President of the United States Conference of Mayors (USCM) and Mayor of Rochester Hills, MI, on the reported bipartisan agreement Congress reached today on a package
Additional Resources
Centers for Disease Control
- CDC Coronavirus (COVID-19) Website
- CDC Activities and Initiatives Supporting the COVID-19 Response and the President’s Plan for Opening America Up Again
- CDC in Action: Preparing Communities for Potential Spread of COVID-19
- CDC Implementation of Mitigation Strategies for Communities with Local COVID-19 Transmission
- CDC Communication Resources
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Burn Rate Calculator
- CDC Resources for Correctional and Detention Facilities
- CDC Considerations for School Closure
- CDC Online Technical Resource and Assistance Center (On-TRAC)
- CDC Crisis and Emergency Risk Communication
- CDC Coronavirus Disease 2019 Information for Travel
- CDC Legal Authorities for Isolation and Quarantine
- COVID-19 Contact Tracing Training: Guidance, Resources, and Training Plan
- COVID-19 Principles of Contact Tracing Booklet
- Health Departments Interim Guidance on Developing a COVID-19 Case Investigation & Contact Tracing Plan
Food and Drug Administration
- FDA Novel Coronavirus Website
- FDA FAQs on Diagnostic Testing
- FDA Approved Tests
- Primer on Testing Basics
National Endowment for the Arts
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- EPA Coronavirus (COVID-19) Website
- Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources for State, Local and Tribal Agencies and Associations
Federal Communications Commission
U.S. Department of The Treasury
The White House
- Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic: Response and Recovery Through Federal-State-Local-Tribal Partnership
- Guidelines for Opening Up America Again
- Testing Blueprint
- Addendum to the Testing Blueprint: Using Tests for Diagnosis and Proactive Surveillance
U.S. Department of Agriculture
U.S. Department of Education
U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development
- COVID: Information and Resources
- Infectious Disease Prevention & Response
- Infectious Disease Toolkit for Homelessness, Shelters and Encampments
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
- HHS COVID-19 Awards: Listing of HHS awards made by current emergency supplementals
- CMS Guidance for Infection Control and Prevention of COVID-19 in Nursing Homes
- CMS Guidance for Infection Control and Prevention Concerning Coronavirus Disease 2019 in Home Health Agencies
- CMS Guidance for Infection Control and Prevention Concerning Coronavirus Disease 2019 by Hospice Agencies
- CMS COVID-19 Long-Term Care Facility Guidance
- CMS Coverage and Benefits Related to COVID-19: Medicaid and Children Health Insurance Program
- Coverage and Payment Related to COVID-19 Medicare
- SAMHSA Resources and Information for Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders
- Office of Child Care COVID-19 Resources
Small Business Administration
- Guidance for Small Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond for COVID-19
- Guidance to Access SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program
U.S. Department of Defense
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
- DHS Coronavirus (COVID-19) Homepage
- Federal Emergency Management Agency Coronavirus Site
- Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency
- Guidance on the Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce
- Customs and Border Protection COVID-19 Updates and Announcements
- FEMA Disaster Financial Management Guide
U.S. Department of Labor
- Information on Unemployment Benefits
- DOL Coronavirus Resources Homepage
- OSHA Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19