In Support of National Efforts to Promote Manufacturing Communities
Adopted at the 82nd Annual Meeting in 2014
WHEREAS, the manufacturing sector has a major, positive impact on the American economy, with contributions in 2012 that included 12 million direct manufacturing jobs, 17.4 million indirect jobs, $2.03 trillion in economic output (12.5% of GDP), significantly higher earning rates for workers than other sectors, two-thirds of all private sector R&D, and the highest multiplier of any sector of the economy at $1.32 added for every dollar spent on manufacturing; and
WHEREAS, the manufacturing sector is gaining strength in many cities across the nation; and
WHEREAS, the successful expansion of manufacturing requires strong local communities that are prepared to support and grow this sector, through infrastructure improvements, site development, job training and workforce development, economic development efforts, and other approaches; and
WHEREAS, local government efforts to support manufacturing growth can be enhanced by federal government programs and resources for infrastructure, site improvement, economic development, education, workforce training and development, capital access, and export promotion; and
WHEREAS, the Obama Administration is seeking to enhance federal support for manufacturing communities through programs including the Investing in Manufacturing Communities Partnership, the National Network for Manufacturing Innovation, and resources for manufacturing from agencies including the Economic Development Administration, the Department of Labor, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Energy, the Department of Defense, the National Science Foundation, the National Institute for Standards & Testing, and other agencies; and
WHEREAS, the U.S. Congress is considering bipartisan legislation to support manufacturing communities, including theRevitalize American Manufacturing and Innovation Act (S.1468 / H.R. 2996); and
WHEREAS, local government leaders support the codification of the currentInvesting in Manufacturing Communities Partnership (IMCP) program at the Economic Development Administration in order to ensure that IMCP can continue to benefit cities; and
WHEREAS, the growth of local manufacturing is also supported by theMaker Movement , which seeks to bring technology inventors and entrepreneurs together with advanced technology tools and the support of public and private sector partners; and
WHEREAS, the U.S. Conference of Mayors continues to support the leadership of mayors in promoting strong manufacturing communities, including through USCM s Advanced Manufacturing Task force,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the U.S. Conference of Mayors pledges its support for federal programs that provide resources and other assistance to manufacturing communities, and calls for annual congressional appropriations to sustain these programs; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the U.S. Conference of Mayors supports the passage of theRevitalize American Manufacturing and Innovation Act (S.1468 / H.R. 2996); and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the U.S. Conference of Mayors supports an amendment to the Revitalize American Manufacturing and Innovation Act that codifies the Investing in Manufacturing Communities Partnership program at the Economic Development Administration; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the U.S. Conference of Mayors supports the Maker Movement, and encourages its member mayors to lead efforts in their cities to support Maker-related activities that drive innovation, encourage entrepreneurship and create a strong foundation for the next wave of advanced manufacturing.