Smart Growth America is proud to announce the launch of our new Local Leaders Council, a nonpartisan group of local elected officials who share a passion for building great towns, cities, and communities.
Representing diverse communities of all sizes from across the United States, members of the Local Leaders Council are using smart growth strategies to help their hometowns compete and grow in today’s economy, generate better return on taxpayer investment, provide transportation and housing choices for their residents, and create vibrant places where people want to live, work, and play.
Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett and Cincinnati Mayor Mark Mallory will serve as Co-Chairs of the Council’s Advisory Board.
“The individuals participating in Smart Growth America’s Local Leaders Council come from many different walks of life, from different kinds of towns and cities, and from diverse political backgrounds. But we share a common interest in creating jobs, attracting sustained economic development and making great places to live,” Mayor Cornett said.
The Local Leaders Council shares and promotes effective policies and programs with fellow elected officials across the country. The Council supports those who are implementing smart growth strategies and advises Smart Growth America about how state and federal decisions affect local communities.
“The key to making our cities stronger is bringing more choices in transportation, housing and jobs to more people. And, we can do that by being more strategic in how we invest our limited resources,” said Mayor Mallory. “As the economy continues to improve, it is crucial that local leaders make smart decisions that will unlock the growth potential in our communities. The Local Leaders Council could be a game changer for cities across the country.”
The Council’s Advisory Board is comprised of 22 municipal leaders from across the nation, representing big cities, rural towns, and suburban communities, each with their own set of challenges and opportunities. These local leaders convened for the first time on October 1, 2012 in Washington, DC, to discuss shared goals and deliberate on the services the Council would provide its members.
The Advisory Board provides ongoing guidance to Smart Growth America on issues of strategy, management, process, and policy development. The Board meets several times a year and the two Co-Chairs work closely with Smart Growth America staff to advise and guide the services and activities of the Local Leaders Council.
“We want to support and assist leaders working to stabilize and strengthen their communities,” says William Fulton, Smart Growth America’s Vice President for Policy & Implementation and former Mayor of Ventura, CA. “These are the leaders on the forefront of innovative policies and initiatives that are going to lift up their communities and make them even greater places to live and work for decades to come.”
For more information about Smart Growth America’s Local Leaders Council, visit www.smartgrowthamerica.org/LocalLeaders.