Mayor Barnett and Mayor Duggan Host Michigan Mayors Meeting

Michigan’s Mayors Come Together in Detroit

Mayors from many of Michigan’s cities came together on Wednesday with Rochester Hills Mayor Bryan K. Barnett, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan and leadership from the U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) to discuss common issues, challenges, and successes. The USCM is the official non-partisan organization of cities. The Conference’s executives were in Detroit to meet with the group.

Mayor Mike Duggan, Flint Mayor Karen Weaver, Westland Mayor Bill Wild, and Mayor Bryan Barnett spoke passionately about the access and expertise the U. S. Conference of Mayors has provided, specifically related to infrastructure, public policy, grants and other opportunities. The best practices, access to innovative programs and national advocacy offered by the Conference allow the country’s mayors to do more and govern more effectively.

“As a significant driver of the national economy, it’s important for Michigan Mayors to meet and collectively work together, tackle issues and advocate for our communities,” stated Mayor Barnett. “I look forward to continuing the discussion with mayors in our area about how we can best serve our cities and all the ways in which the U.S. Conference of Mayors can help.”

Mayor Barnett currently serves as Vice President of the USCM and, in June 2019, will become its President. At that time, he will hold the title of “America’s Mayor,” and one of only six mayors from Michigan to hold this influential leadership position since the Conference’s inception in 1932.

During the meeting, Mayor Barnett highlighted the two-year, bi-partisan plan together with current USCM President and Columbia, SC Mayor Steve Benjamin. Their strategic priorities for the next 24-months include three central themes: Infrastructure, Innovation, and Inclusion.

“Virtually every city in the country is grappling with one or more of these issues, if not all three,” stated Mayor Barnett. “Our focus on these themes is what continues to make the U.S. Conference of Mayors a relevant, contemporary and meaningful resource for mayors throughout the country.”