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U.S. Conference of Mayors Winter Meeting Highlights

Monday, Jan 24, 2022

Last week, Mayor Justin M. Bibb attended the U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) 90th Winter Meeting in Washington D.C together with mayors from across the country, business leaders and key members of the Biden Administration.

The 4-day conference had a packed agenda, covering the top issues facing cities across America and remarks from Speaker Pelosi, Secretary Buttigieg and President Biden.

The Mayor secured a letter of support from the Ohio Mayor’s Alliance on behalf of the MAGNET-led Build Back Better Regional Challenge Grant (BBBRC), which is an important outcome of attending engagements like this; other highlights from the USCM agenda include:

  • Session on climate resiliency and sustainability and how the public and private sector can work together to develop solutions.
  • Presentation on the “House America” initiative led by Housing and Urban Development Secretary Marcia Fudge, a national partnership to address homelessness using investments from the American Rescue Plan Act.
  • Plenary discussion on building a stronger hospitality industry and rebuilding the workforce on the road to economic recovery.

Mayor Bibb also held one-on-one and coalition meetings to build relationships and seek support for investments in Cleveland, meeting with key leaders:

  • One-on-one meeting with AFSCME International President Lee Saunders (Cleveland native) to discuss the American Rescue Plan, community organizing, civil rights, family medical leave and collective bargaining for workers.
  • One-on-one meeting with Secretary Pete Buttigieg of the Department of Transportation to discuss collaborating with the Department of Transportation on infrastructure building, mobility and transit planning. 
  • Ohio Mayors Alliance meeting to request support for Cleveland’s Build Back Better grant application. 

The Bibb Administration is committed to local, state and federal advocacy to ensure Cleveland is represented in the national conversation. Mayor Bibb plans to attend the Summer meeting later this year to continue to build relationships, strengthen alliances and advocate to bring resources home to Cleveland.