U.S. Mayors to Participate in Infrastructure Week

WASHINGTON, DC--(Marketwired - May 12, 2017) - On the heels of President Trump reaching 100 days in office, U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) President Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett, USCM Infrastructure Task Force Chair Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, and other mayoral leaders from across the country will add their voices to the need for additional infrastructure investment at events in the nation's capital during Infrastructure Week (May 15-19).

The mayors of the nation are challenging Washington to accept the fact that Mayors work with the private sector and the federal government to build infrastructure projects from start to finish faster, with more cost efficiencies than State governments. To prove the point, The U.S. Conference of Mayors released today its "On Task, On Time, On Budget" report. The report features city infrastructure projects, including transportation, water, energy, ports and public buildings, citing their financial structures and the many benefits that resulted from them.

As a national infrastructure package is developed, this new report is intended to inform Administration and Congressional leaders on why more infrastructure dollars should be directed to mayors and other leaders who ensure that such projects are implemented more efficiently, with greater economic impact and timeliness.

Mayors participating in Infrastructure Week will discuss successes they have had in their own cities and regions in addressing important infrastructure needs and priorities, reminding federal policymakers that the federal government must continue to engage and invest with cities and other local leaders to preserve and expand the nation's infrastructure.

Mayors will also be calling on Administration leaders to advance an infrastructure plan that directs more funding to cities and their local areas, investments that will further fuel the nation's metro economies (381 urbanized areas), which now account for 91 percent of the nation's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Mayor Cornett has commended President Trump for his decision to push forward a massive national infrastructure program to meet the needs of the American people and pledged the mayors' support to work with the Administration on this common top priority. "The need for a national infrastructure plan is right before our eyes. Failing roads, bridges, transit systems, water and wastewater systems, stifle business growth, threaten our health and restrain our mobility. The Conference's new report demonstrates the capacity of cities and local government to leverage private investment, spur economic growth, and develop communities -- all objectives of the President."

Mayor Garcetti in his new role with the Conference will be working with the Trump Administration and Congress on the development and passage of the major infrastructure package that President Trump campaigned on and has been promising since his election. "Mayors are leading with a vision to build the future of communities across America," said Mayor Eric Garcetti. "It is critical that the federal government cut red tape and continue with direct investment -- so that we can finish projects on time, deliver them on budget, and strengthen economic progress for the people of our cities."

Mayors participating in Infrastructure Week Activities in Washington, D.C., May 15-19:

May 15

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and Denver Mayor Michael Hancock - Infrastructure Week Kickoff Event | U.S. Chamber of Commerce | 1625 H Street, NW, Washington, DC (9:00 am - 12:30 pm)

May 16

District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Denver Mayor Michael Hancock, New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell, Charlotte Mayor Jennifer Roberts - Bloomberg LIVE: "The Future of Smart Cities: Spotlight on Infrastructure - Building a Smart City: A Mayors Forum" | 1101 K St, NW, Washington, DC (9:40 -10:40 am)

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti - Senate Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure hearing on "Leveraging Federal Funding: Innovation Solutions for Infrastructure" | Room 406 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, DC (3:15 pm)

May 17

Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett, USCM President - "Built to Last: A Discussion on the Importance of Local Infrastructure Investment" | A joint forum of the National Association of Counties, National League of Cities and The United States Conference of Mayors where USCM President Mayor Mick Cornett will emphasize the vital importance of protecting tax-exempt bonds as the key tool in supporting local infrastructure investment | NACo Conference Center: 660 North Capitol Street, NW, Washington, DC (10:00 - 11:00 am)

Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett, USCM President - "State and Local Governments Drive America - A Discussion for the Future of Infrastructure Policy" | A "Big 7" state and local government organizations briefing where USCM President Mayor Mick Cornett will further emphasize the importance of protecting tax-exempt bonds for cities, counties and states | 2154 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC (2:00 - 3:15 pm)

May 18

South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg - House Transportation & Infrastructure Subcommittee on Water and the Environment hearing on "Building a 21st Century Infrastructure for America: Improving Water Quality Through Integrated Planning" | 2167 Rayburn House Office Building | Washington, DC (10:00 am)

The U.S. Conference of Mayors is the official nonpartisan organization of cities with populations of 30,000 or more. There are nearly 1400 such cities in the country today, and each city is represented in the Conference by its chief elected official, the mayor. Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/usmayors, or follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/usmayors.