Members of Smart Growth America’s Local Leaders Council gathered in Washington, DC on Sunday for a reception at the National League of Cities Congressional City Conference. Local Leaders Council members from communities around the country had the opportunity to connect with Smart Growth America staff and introduce fellow colleagues who are passionate about building great communities to the benefits of the Local Leaders Council.
After a welcome from Smart Growth America President and CEO Geoff Anderson and Transportation for America co-chair John Robert Smith, two Local Leaders Council members discussed how the Council has helped them to address issues in their communities. Bill Fulton, Director of Planning for the City of San Diego, CA (and former Vice President of Smart Growth America) explained how both Democratic and Republican mayors in San Diego were supportive of smart growth strategies. This approach is crucial as San Diego aims to attract aging baby boomers looking for more walkable, convenient neighborhoods while also appealing to younger millennials, Fulton explained.
Anu Natarajan, Vice-Mayor of Fremont, CA went on to point out that big cities are not the only communities that stand to benefit from smart growth strategies. Natarajan described Fremont as a suburban community entirely oriented toward cars. Networking with other members of the Local Leaders Council from similar communities helped her plan and implement smart growth concepts like transit-oriented development that will help Fremont become a more attractive place for businesses and families.
The Congressional City Conference brings together more than 2,000 elected and appointed city leaders to focus on the federal policy issues that are important to local governments. You can follow this year’s conference in Washington, DC on Twitter at the hashtag #Cities2014.
Smart Growth America’s Local Leaders Council is a nonpartisan group of municipal officials who share a passion for building great towns, cities, and communities. Current and former elected leaders (mayors, councilmembers, commissioners, supervisors and aldermen) as well as appointed public officials (agency directors, city managers, county executives, etc.) with a strong interest in implementing smart growth strategies are eligible and encouraged to join the Local Leaders Council. Learn more about joining the Council and nominate a member or submit an application today.