During the current climate of economic uncertainty, municipal leaders will meet in Orlando, Florida to discuss innovative programs and solutions that serve the nation’s hometowns. From 11 - 15 November 2008, the National League of Cities’ (NLC) Congress of Cities and Exposition will be held to encourage city leaders to exchange best practices and new program ideas that provide economic opportunities, make available more affordable housing, ensure public safety, and allow more effective interaction with state and federal agencies.

For more information and media registration, please visit the exposition’s webpage: http://www.nlc.org/

Local municipal leaders will be joined by author and Pulitzer Prize winning journalist, Thomas Freidman, who is expected to address the economic downturn, how to create sustainable communities in response to climate change and high energy costs.

Participants will also hear a special panel session of mayors sharing their successes in finding new approaches to improving the lives of families and children and helping their cities go “green.” Moderating the mayors’ panel will be the host of National Public Radio’s “All Things Considered,” Michele Norris. Panelists include:

*** Mayor John Hickenlooper of Denver;
*** Mayor Joseph P. Riley Jr. of Charleston;
*** Mayor R.T. Rybak of Minneapolis; and
*** Mayor Ralph Becker of Salt Lake City

“Local leaders face the hard realities of our nation’s economic downturn everyday,” said Donald J. Borut, NLC’s executive director. “Especially in difficult times, city leaders must deliver services responding to the needs of families, maintain the nation’s infrastructure, and bolster economic opportunities. The Congress of Cities is a unique opportunity for our nation’s local leaders to hear the creative solutions implemented by their peers.”

NLC’s agenda for this year’s congress includes more than 30 workshops on cities’ most pressing issues, including strengthening sustainable home ownership, capital budgeting and planning, and wastewater treatment. Congress of Cities attendees will also participate in mobile workshops, which allow attendees to see the work Orlando has performed in neighborhood revitalization, housing, and the arts. The Congress of Cities is also sponsoring an opportunity to help low-income children in Orlando by working with KaBOOM!, Kool-Aid, and the City of Orlando in rebuilding a playground in only one day.

About National League of Cities

The National League of Cities is the nation’s oldest and largest organization devoted to strengthening and promoting cities as centers of opportunity, leadership and governance. NLC is a resource and advocate for 19,000 cities, towns and villages, representing more than 218 million Americans.

For more information, please visit their website: http://www.nlc.org

Source: National League of Cities

Website: http://www.nlc.org/

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