Jun 20, 2011
Today, I am honored to take the reins as President of the United States Conference of Mayors. Founded in 1932 during the darkest days of the Great Depression, the US Conference of Mayors has long carried the banner for issues that matter most to Americans across the country: strong and vibrant local economies, safe streets, dependable services including mass transit, and great public schools.
As Mayors, we represent -- and reside in -- communities that are far removed from the partisan paralysis of Washington, DC. We know how hard it is for families struggling while living paycheck to paycheck. We've seen cities swamped by the mortgage crisis and entire neighborhoods left to rot. We've dealt first-hand with the aftermath of a huge employer leaving town for $2-a-day labor abroad, or the devastation of a tornado sweeping through town.
Legislators are hired to talk, but mayors are hired to act. And the American people desperately need us to act.
Throughout this conference, we've discussed how mayors across the country can come together in support of what America needs most. We've talked about bold plans to help create jobs, jump-start our struggling local economies, and build out a 21st century transportation network. We've discussed doing away with the absurd and archaic policies that have strangled our public schools with red tape, stifling learning and creativity. And we've asked Congress to responsibly bring our troops home and dedicate the billions currently being spent in Iraq and Afghanistan to creating jobs, developing sustainable energy, and repairing our crumbling infrastructure.
I'm proud to take the helm of this storied organization that has long stood with hardworking Americans from coast to coast. I look forward to working with my fellow mayors on these issues and many more. Mayors, it's our time to take the lead.
Why Your Ongoing Support Is Essential
Donald Trump’s attacks on democracy, justice, and a free press are escalating — putting everything we stand for at risk. We believe a better world is possible, but we can’t get there without your support. Common Dreams stands apart. We answer only to you — our readers, activists, and changemakers — not to billionaires or corporations. Our independence allows us to cover the vital stories that others won’t, spotlighting movements for peace, equality, and human rights. Right now, our work faces unprecedented challenges. Misinformation is spreading, journalists are under attack, and financial pressures are mounting. As a reader-supported, nonprofit newsroom, your support is crucial to keep this journalism alive. Whatever you can give — $10, $25, or $100 — helps us stay strong and responsive when the world needs us most. Together, we’ll continue to build the independent, courageous journalism our movement relies on. Thank you for being part of this community. |
Our work is licensed under Creative Commons (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0). Feel free to republish and share widely.
Antonio Villaraigosa
Antonio Villaraigosa is the Mayor of the City of Los Angeles. Prior to his election as mayor, Villaraigosa was a California State Assemblyman, the Speaker of the California State Assembly, and a Los Angeles City Councilman. Before being elected to public office, Villaraigosa was a labor organizer
Today, I am honored to take the reins as President of the United States Conference of Mayors. Founded in 1932 during the darkest days of the Great Depression, the US Conference of Mayors has long carried the banner for issues that matter most to Americans across the country: strong and vibrant local economies, safe streets, dependable services including mass transit, and great public schools.
As Mayors, we represent -- and reside in -- communities that are far removed from the partisan paralysis of Washington, DC. We know how hard it is for families struggling while living paycheck to paycheck. We've seen cities swamped by the mortgage crisis and entire neighborhoods left to rot. We've dealt first-hand with the aftermath of a huge employer leaving town for $2-a-day labor abroad, or the devastation of a tornado sweeping through town.
Legislators are hired to talk, but mayors are hired to act. And the American people desperately need us to act.
Throughout this conference, we've discussed how mayors across the country can come together in support of what America needs most. We've talked about bold plans to help create jobs, jump-start our struggling local economies, and build out a 21st century transportation network. We've discussed doing away with the absurd and archaic policies that have strangled our public schools with red tape, stifling learning and creativity. And we've asked Congress to responsibly bring our troops home and dedicate the billions currently being spent in Iraq and Afghanistan to creating jobs, developing sustainable energy, and repairing our crumbling infrastructure.
I'm proud to take the helm of this storied organization that has long stood with hardworking Americans from coast to coast. I look forward to working with my fellow mayors on these issues and many more. Mayors, it's our time to take the lead.
Antonio Villaraigosa
Antonio Villaraigosa is the Mayor of the City of Los Angeles. Prior to his election as mayor, Villaraigosa was a California State Assemblyman, the Speaker of the California State Assembly, and a Los Angeles City Councilman. Before being elected to public office, Villaraigosa was a labor organizer
Today, I am honored to take the reins as President of the United States Conference of Mayors. Founded in 1932 during the darkest days of the Great Depression, the US Conference of Mayors has long carried the banner for issues that matter most to Americans across the country: strong and vibrant local economies, safe streets, dependable services including mass transit, and great public schools.
As Mayors, we represent -- and reside in -- communities that are far removed from the partisan paralysis of Washington, DC. We know how hard it is for families struggling while living paycheck to paycheck. We've seen cities swamped by the mortgage crisis and entire neighborhoods left to rot. We've dealt first-hand with the aftermath of a huge employer leaving town for $2-a-day labor abroad, or the devastation of a tornado sweeping through town.
Legislators are hired to talk, but mayors are hired to act. And the American people desperately need us to act.
Throughout this conference, we've discussed how mayors across the country can come together in support of what America needs most. We've talked about bold plans to help create jobs, jump-start our struggling local economies, and build out a 21st century transportation network. We've discussed doing away with the absurd and archaic policies that have strangled our public schools with red tape, stifling learning and creativity. And we've asked Congress to responsibly bring our troops home and dedicate the billions currently being spent in Iraq and Afghanistan to creating jobs, developing sustainable energy, and repairing our crumbling infrastructure.
I'm proud to take the helm of this storied organization that has long stood with hardworking Americans from coast to coast. I look forward to working with my fellow mayors on these issues and many more. Mayors, it's our time to take the lead.
We've had enough. The 1% own and operate the corporate media. They are doing everything they can to defend the status quo, squash dissent and protect the wealthy and the powerful. The Common Dreams media model is different. We cover the news that matters to the 99%. Our mission? To inform. To inspire. To ignite change for the common good. How? Nonprofit. Independent. Reader-supported. Free to read. Free to republish. Free to share. With no advertising. No paywalls. No selling of your data. Thousands of small donations fund our newsroom and allow us to continue publishing. Can you chip in? We can't do it without you. Thank you.