Working and Learning in Washington, D.C.

Ward 1 councilor Marcia Claxton, District 1 councilor Saoirse Charis Graves, District 2 councilor Marcie Miller and I are all back from the National League of Cities 2012 Congressional City conference.  We joined officials from 20 Colorado cities and 1600 cities across the country to discuss our challenges and share our successes. Not surprisingly, small, medium, and large cities all have the same priorities-- investing in our youth and workforce, funding infrastructure such as true multimodal transportation, and protecting hometown revenues.

The Obligatory Steps Photo at the Executive Office Building

We attended talks, workshops, seminars, panel discussions, and briefings. Specific to our state issues, the Colorado Municipal League arranged for us to hear from USDA Undersecretary Harris Sherman on  the US Forest Services and its importance to Western cities and towns. We also received a briefing from a Colorado perspective on transportation and transit funding issues, had a lunch panel on infrastructure, went to the White House to learn about regulatory reform and new business startups, made trips to FEMA to learn of new grant opportunities and cyber security issues, and to HUD to learn about community sustainability and Community Development Block Grants. A Colorado highlight was a working breakfast with Senators Udall and Bennet.

More generally, we received updates from Labor Secretary Hilda Solis and Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. While some of us were in the Senate gallery, we had the historic experience of watching the Senate work together and pass a bipartisan highway bill.  (Though a divided House of Representatives -- with 16 days left before the current highway law expires -- may continue to stall on this important matter.)

All this and early blooming cherry blossoms, too. And back home, the weather is beautiful and Mike Bestor gave us good news in the state of the community talk he delivered to the chamber of commerce today.  Our city is in great shape -- with a talented and dedicated staff ready to move forward on council's 2012- to 2013 priorities.  No council meetings until April -- National League of Cities meeting, spring break, and a fifth Thursday.  


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