DMA’s Leadership Summit Tackles Critical Issues Facing Mayors Nationwide

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Democratic Mayors Association (DMA) convened its first Leadership Summit in Richmond, VA, this past weekend, focusing on the critical issues Mayors and cities grapple with daily. The Summit brought together a diverse group of Democratic Mayors from across the country, industry experts, and business and Labor leaders to discuss solutions and strengthen partnerships. Summit attendees engaged in a weekend full of discussions on crime, the economy, housing and homelessness, infrastructure, business and Labor partnerships, and voter trends. 

The opening sessions focused on infrastructure investments, emphasizing the importance of furthering equity and optimizing impact with business and Labor organizations. Richmond Mayor Levar M. Stoney, Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock, and Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons led discussions on these topics with partners. 

On Saturday, panel discussions continued, examining data, messaging, and polling with Mayors and experts. Newport News Mayor Phillip Jones led a conversation on public safety, Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway on housing and homelessness, Cleveland Mayor Justin M. Bibb on voter trends, and Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti on the economy. The Summit closed on Sunday, where attendees reflected on what they learned and shared ideas of how they might implement solutions moving forward.

“Democratic Mayors from around the country gathered together this weekend to tackle their cities’ most pressing issues and strengthen partnerships with business and Labor that will move their communities forward,” said DMA President and Richmond Mayor Levar M. Stoney. “Along with the significant investments made by the Biden-Harris Administration, Mayors have a real opportunity to change the trajectory of their cities and residents’ lives in profound ways. I’m energized by the meaningful dialogue and innovative solutions discussed at the Summit and look forward to the work ahead.”

“DMA provides a unique platform for Mayors to engage on the intersection of policy and politics. The Summit was a great opportunity to learn from each other and explore solutions to our most intractable problems,” said DMA Vice President and Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti.

“The 2024 election will be a critical opportunity for Mayors to be on the frontline to share how the Biden-Harris Administration has delivered for cities. We must continue to share with voters how this Administration has delivered record job growth and passed critical legislation to address crime and public safety,” said DMA Vice President and Cleveland Mayor Justin M. Bibb.

“Democratic Mayors are working hard every day to lift up working families and build the middle class. This Summit was an opportunity to talk about policies and partnerships to advance those goals via infrastructure investments, public safety improvements, creating housing choices, and more,” said DMA Vice President and Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway. “I’m excited by the work DMA and our partners are doing, and bringing home lots of ideas to Madison.”

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