by Eboni Morris

Recognizing the contributions of Hispanics to the U.S. and celebrating Hispanic heritage and culture, NLC?s Hispanic Elected Local Officials (HELO) Summit attendees will gather Sept. 28-30 during National Hispanic Heritage Month.

The 4th annual summit will be in Santa Fe, N.M. at the Hilton Santa Fe Historic Plaza.

Special features of the summit include opportunities to network, seminars, mobile workshops, learning the tools for problem-solving, a complementary Leadership Training Institute seminar, great sightseeing and recreational activities.

In addition, delegates will get to participate in NLC?s Race Equality and Inclusive Communities Week, which takes place Sept. 25-29 and is a time for cities to endorse racial and ethnic equality and inclusive communities through activities in their communities.

?Since our summit occurs during NLC?s Race Equality and Inclusive Communities Week, we are planning to address race relations and racial justice issues during one of our sessions,? said HELO President Joseph M. Maestas, mayor of Espa?ola, N.M.

The conference is open to all HELO members, nonmembers and NLC colleagues and is being supported by the following sponsors: Bond Market Association, Wells Fargo Home Mortgage and Freddie Mac.

Details: The deadline for advance registration to the summit is Sept. 15. The advance registration fee is $75 for HELO members, $100 for nonmembers and $40 for spouse, guest and youth.

Reservations for a room at the Hilton Santa Fe Historic Plaza must be made by Sept. 6. To reserve a room, call the hotel at (800) HILTONS or (505) 988-2811 using the group code, National League of Cities ? HELO.

To download the conference brochure, go to www.nlc.org, click on ?Constituency Groups? under the ?Inside NLC? tab, click on the HELO link, then go to the summit link under ?Upcoming Events.?