12/8/2006
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Justin Ohlemiller, [317] 327-3690 |
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Peterson to lead National League of Cities
Mayor to head-up national dialogue on crime, jobs, federal funding, homelessness, media violence, other city needs
Reno, NV – Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson is expected to be elected tomorrow as president of the National League of Cities (NLC), the nation’s oldest and largest organization representing municipal governments. The election – involving thousands of leaders from cities and towns across the country – will take place during the NLC Congress of Cities in Reno, Nevada.
Peterson’s leadership of the NLC, which represents 19,000 U.S. cities and 218 million people, puts him at the forefront of a national discussion of the needs of urban areas across the country. Peterson has also served as NLC first vice-president and second vice-president, as well as on the Board of Directors.
Former Indianapolis mayors Richard Lugar and William Hudnut served as NLC president during their tenure as mayor.
“Most Americans live in cities, and we are the first responders, first providers and the level of government closest to the people,” Mayor Peterson said. “As such, cities must be at the forefront of national and state policies. I look forward to being a strong voice for Indianapolis and other cities across our state and country.”
Major topics of concern for cities in the coming year include the national rise in crime, jobs, federal funding, homelessness, and the economic health of America’s cities and towns. Peterson also will introduce the topic of media violence, its exposure to young children and possible links to juvenile crime, and the role that mayors and city officials can play in protecting vulnerable youth.
Throughout his two terms as mayor, Peterson has taken an active role in statewide and national organizations to advance the cause of Indianapolis, other cities and towns and their residents. Since 2000 he has served as:
- Chairman of NLC’s Institute for Youth, Education & Families, which advances policies and initiatives that benefit children and families.
- Chair of the U.S. Conference of Mayors Arts, Culture & Recreation Committee.
- President of the Indiana Association of Cities & Towns, the affiliation of the state’s municipalities that works to advance the cause of cities and towns at the state and federal levels.
- President of the Indiana Metropolitan Mayors Association, which advocated in the Indiana General Assembly for the state’s 20 largest cities.
As a result of these positions, Peterson has brought other mayors and city leaders to Indianapolis to learn about local initiatives and gather information about successful programs across the country. In 2004, Peterson and Indianapolis hosted NLC’s Congress of Cities, which brought thousands of municipal officials to the city.
Fall Creek Place receives NLC award
During the NLC Congress of Cities, Indianapolis today won the Silver Award for Municipal Excellence for the Falls Creek Place housing redevelopment initiative.
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