Overview

Congressional City Conference Attendees: The 2013 Congress of Cities and Exposition will be held in Seattle, WA from November 13 through November 16.

The Congressional City Conference is an annual legislative forum that brings together more than 2,000 elected and appointed city leaders to focus on the federal policy issues that are important to local governments. In addition to providing opportunities to learn about innovative practices implemented at the local level, the conference connects city leaders from across the country with NLC-the organization that members of Congress, the White House, and federal agencies look to for solutions to addressing the nation's economic challenges.

Download the 2013 Program Book

Stand up for the issues that matter to cities.

As the 113th Congress gets underway, come to Washington, DC and join your fellow city leaders in calling on House and Senate members and the Administration to set aside partisan differences and break through the gridlock in order to find ways to support economic recovery and job creation efforts in our communities.

Make your voice heard at NLC's annual legislative conference, where you can share your hard-won insights with members of Congress, the White House, and federal agency representatives, as well as with your colleagues from across the country.

Key federal policy issues to be addressed include:

• Federal budget deficit reduction plans
• Federal job creation and economic development strategies
• Federal tax code reform and municipal finance
• Immigration Reform
• Water and transportation infrastructure investment
• Public safety 
• Regulatory reform and streamlining

NLC's Congressional City Conference offers city leaders from across the country a unique opportunity to gain valuable insights into and influence actions in Washington that will impact local communities.

Schedule

Saturday, March 09, 2013

• 7:30 am
  Registration

• 9:00 am
  L01: Building Public Private Partnerships (Show details)

  David Van Slyke - Syracuse University
  

  Time: 9:00am-5:00pm
  Registration Fee: $190
  Competency: Catalyst/Competent Practitioner (4 Credits)
  
  Public‐private partnerships (PPPs) are a popular policy tool used by governments around the
  world to finance, build, operate, and maintain public infrastructure assets. The incentive for government to partner with for‐profit and nonprofit organizations is driven largely by the desire to leverage expertise, experience, and the ability to finance projects that government does not have the capacity to develop and execute. In this session, participants will gain a thorough understanding of the type of PPP arrangements that can be used by local governments, an introduction to the range of frameworks used to develop, implement, and monitor PPPs, and learn how to evaluate and manage risk throughout the PPP process while developing the skills needed to effectively engage stakeholders at different points of the process to maximize goal alignment and partnership performance.
  Instructor:
  David M. Van Slyke, Professor, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY

• 12:00 pm
  Democratic Municipal Officials Media and Social Media Training

• 1:30 pm
  L04: Managing Your Message in a Multi-Mass Media World (Show details)

  Carolyn Sawyer, Presenter
  

  Time: 1:30pm-5:00pm
  Registration Fee:  $125
  Competency:  Communicator (2 Credits)
  
  Historically, leaders dealt with newspapers, magazines and television as the primary media outlets. Their responses would be recorded through press releases or television statements and the information would often take an entire day before it would reach the target audience. With the Internet, new media forms have emerged with the capability of reaching audiences instantaneously. Today, people are just as, if not more so, attentive to social networking (i.e. Twitter and Facebook) as they are to more traditional forms of media. It is advisable for every leader to have a New Media Plan in place designed for dealing with the media in the event of a publicity crisis. Bad publicity can have the power to affect funding and ultimately destroy the affected leader and their city's image. Participants of this seminar will learn valuable tools to effectively manage each type of media in times of crisis, and learn to develop a clear message that can be communicated when needed.
  Instructor:
  Carolyn Sawyer, President, Tom Sawyer Company,
  Columbia, SC

• 1:30 pm
  L02: The Ethical Leader: Rules and Tools (Show details)

  Scott Paine - City of Tampa
  

  Time: 1:30pm-5:00pm
  Registration Fee: $125
  Competency: Competent Practitioner/Cornerstone (2 Credits)
  
  Ethical public leadership is more than simply following the law. This seminar enhances municipal leaders’ abilities to assess ethically difficult situations and to make ethically defensible choices. Beginning with fundamental elements of ethical decision making, this seminar draws the audience into active participation to establish the elements of a personal ethical framework, and then challenges participants to apply that framework to ethically difficult choices involving real municipal government actions. Examine the three key elements of ethical decision making (values, facts, and principles), and observe various ethical principles and how they guide decision makers in applying relevant values to a specific set of facts. Learn how to cultivate, guide, and encourage public service reflecting a very high standard of ethical thinking and conduct.
  Instructor:
  Scott Paine, Associate Professor, University of Tampa, Tampa, FL

• 1:30 pm
  L03: Making Shifts Happen: From Political Drama to Finding Common Ground (Show details)

  Ms. Donna Zajonc - Bainbridge Leadership Center
  

  Time: 1:30pm-5:00pm
  Registration Fee: $125
  Competency: Collaborator/Catalyst (2 Credits)
  
  Public leaders are often conflicted about what it means to find common ground. On one hand the public wants problems solved and progress made, and on another hand, many citizens want leaders to stick to their guns and never give in. In this critical time in history, with massive challenges looming everywhere we look, public leaders must be highly self-aware of their leadership traits that may stand in the way of forging common ground. This seminar is not for the faint of heart. You will be challenged to tell the truth about your personality traits, attitude or opinions that may stand in the way of creating common ground. This is not about fixing the other guy, or blaming circumstances on why common ground has not, or cannot, be achieved. This seminar is about taking the time to listen to what others have learned about how they let go of the need to be right, dominate, win or prevail at all costs. You will go home with a new sense of courage and willingness to develop your leadership qualities in a way that emphasizes your capacity to see in new ways, listen to others with an open heart and cultivate a genuine desire to work together.
  Instructor:
  Donna Zajonc, Executive and Leadership Coach, Bainbridge Leadership Center, Bainbridge Island, WA

• 3:45 pm
  Corporate Partners Leadership Council Meeting

Sunday, March 10, 2013

• 7:30 am
  Registration

• 8:30 am
  Board of Directors Meeting

• 9:00 am
  L07: Hiring and Evaluating the CEO: What Councils and Managers Need to Know (Show details)

  Julia Novak - The Novak Consulting Group
  

  Time: 9:00am-12:00pm
  Registration Fee:  $125
  Competency: Competent Practitioner/Cornerstone (2 Credits)
  
  Selecting the manager or administrator for your city, town or village is arguably the most important decision you will make as an elected official. Yet, responsibility for this selection is not usually your major reason in running for office, or your primary motivation to continue in tough economic times. When your community needs to hire a new manager and/or evaluate the your current manager, the process can potentially be overly politicized, rushed, or mishandled due to a lack of experience. In most other key decisions, elected officials can depend on staff expertise to inform their deliberations, including input from the manager or administrator. However, in hiring and evaluation processes, staff is not usually in a position to advise elected officials as they might on other issues. This session is designed to help elected officials navigate the processes of hiring and evaluating their top appointed official. It is also designed to assist the manager/administrator in effectively working with elected officials during the evaluation process so that their resulting feedback is constructive, meaningful, and useful in improving the manager/administrator's performance.
  Instructors:
  Julia Novak, President, The Novak Consulting Group
  

• 9:00 am
  L05: Civil Discourse in the Face of Incivility: Leading to a Succesful Resolution of Community Conflict (Show details)

  Malcom Chapman - City of Rapid City
  

  Time: 9:00am-5:00pm
  Registration Fee:  $190
  Competency: Collaborator/Communicator (4 Credits)
  
  Learn to develop your leadership skills in both every day and divisive situations, explore listening with the goal of understanding as an essential part of leadership, and provide an opportunity to
  practice your skills to plant seeds of leadership and civility in the governing bodies of your communities. Participants will be introduced to The Five Powers as a roadmap to work in groups to develop a plan that could be implemented for success. This interactive session will use the case study as a way to explore the tools presented in the seminar. You will group and re-group, adopting the role of different characters in the case study, to explore the situation from different leadership positions. Ultimately, you will formulate a plan in which all characters in the case study can come together to lead their community through the challenging situation. After exploring the tools, you will be encouraged to think of how you can apply the tools you used in the hypothetical situation, to a real situation in your community.
  Instructors:
  Malcom Chapman, President, The Chapman Group,
  Rapid City, SD
  

• 9:00am
  L06: Innovative Strategies for Involving and Engaging Citizens (Show details)

  John Calhoun - National Crime Prevention Council
  Mr. Steve Brigham - America Speaks
  Mr. Theo Brown - America Speaks
  

  Time: 9:00am-12:00pm
  Registration Fee:  $125
  Competency: Competent Practitioner/Communicator (2 Credits)
  
  In these days of instant access to information,
  citizens expect and in some cases demand better  engagement and communication, not only online, but in person as well. Through this session, participants will learn about specific ways to improve the recruitment of citizens for public meetings and learn about the benefits of having demographically representative groups of people participate. We will explore innovative ways to actively engage participants during meetings and, in particular, will demonstrate some of the ways that technology can be used to get detailed input about citizens’ priorities.
  Instructor(s):
  Theo Brown, Senior Associate, America Speaks, Washington, D.C.

• 9:00 am
  L08: Enhancing Council Effectiveness: Part I-Understanding and Enhancing Emotional Intelligence (Show details)

  Dr. Neil Katz - Nova Southeastern University
  

  Time: 9:00am-12:00pm
  Registration Fee:  $135 (includes $10 survey tool fee)
  Competency: Communicator/Collaborator (2 Credits)
  
  Studies demonstrate that among capabilities that drive outstanding performance, Emotional Intelligence was twice as important as Technical Ability or Cognitive/Conceptual Reasoning, and accounted for up to 90% of the difference in the profile between “average” and “star” performers at senior levels of professional practice. This workshop will present some of the important research findings and skill building being done in the area of Emotional Intelligence. Daniel Goleman’s four part framework on emotional intelligence—Self Awareness, Self- Management, Awareness/Understanding of Others, and Relationship Management—can be viewed as a template for assessing and displaying competencies in influencing others with integrity. This workshop will follow the Goleman framework and work with theories, concepts, exercises and skill practice in each of the four critical segments of emotional intelligence to enhance confidence and competence in understanding and managing ourselves and working collaboratively with others.
  

• 12:00 pm
  Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Local Officials (GLBTO) Business Meeting

• 12:00 pm
  Leadership Luncheon

• 1:00 pm
  Public Safety and Crime Prevention Policy and Advocacy Committee Meeting

• 1:00 pm
  Human Development Policy and Advocacy Committee Meeting

• 1:00 pm
  Information Technology and Communications Policy and Advocacy Committee Meeting (Show details)

  Alan Shark - Public Technology Institute
  Mr. Dale Bowen - Public Technology Institute
  

• 1:00 pm
  Community and Economic Development Policy and Advocacy Committee Meeting (Show details)

  Ira Goldstein - The Reinvestment Fund
  Jeff Falcuson - National Association of Housing and Redevelopment
  Jon Cardinal - United States Senate
  Joshua Freely - The Reinvestment Fund
  

• 1:00 pm
  Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Policy and Advocacy Committee Meeting

• 1:00 pm
  Finance, Administration and Intergovernmental Relations Policy and Advocacy Committee Meeting (Show details)

  Dara Lindenbaum - Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights
  Jeffrey Z. Slavin - Town of Somerset
  

• 1:00 pm
  Transportation Services and Infrastructure Policy and Advocacy Committee Meeting

• 1:30 pm
  L11: Violence Reduction: Comprehensive Planning and Funding Strategies (Show details)

  Andrew Owens Moore - National League of Cities
  John Calhoun - National Crime Prevention Council
  

  Time: 1:30pm-5:00pm

  Registration Fee: $125

  Competency: Competent Practitioner/ Flex Competency (2 Credits)
  
  Learn how to develop community-anchored violence and gun violence reduction initiatives and marshal the resources to build and sustain them. Cities that tackle community violence effectively do so by committing themselves to a comprehensive strategy that blends prevention, intervention, and enforcement.  This training session will help participants develop skills to:
  clarify desired results and develop comprehensive strategies; engage the right partners (including non-traditional stakeholders); present a strong case for investment; evaluate potential funding strategies and opportunities to “blend” and “braid” funding from multiple sources; and build a leadership structure that sustains and improves the city’s efforts over time.
  Instructors:
  John A. "Jack" Calhoun, Senior Consultant, Office of
  Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice and Senior
  Consultant, Institute for Youth, Education and Families,
  NLC
  Andrew O. Moore , Senior Fellow, Institute for Youth,
  Education and Families, NLC

• 1:30 pm
  Advisory Council Meeting

• 1:30 pm
  L10: Leading a Diverse Generational City (Show details)

  Todd Arwood - Todd Arwood Performance Partners
  

  Time: 1:30pm-5:00 pm
  Registration Fee:  $125
  Competency: Collaborator/Cornerstone (2 Credits)
  
  Today’s city is a blend of people from various generational backgrounds. How does a “fifty-something” manage, sell or even work with a “twenty-something”? And what on earth do we do with those teenagers sporting orange hair and body piercings? The differences of the generations lead to differences in values, perspectives, motivators, and work ethic. This fun and exciting program will arm you with the information necessary to understand how to deal differently with people from the generations.
  Instructor:
  Todd Arwood, President, Todd Arwood Performance Partners, Louisville, KY

• 1:30 pm
  L09: Enhancing Council Effectiveness: Part II- Managing Conflict in the Workplace (Show details)

  Time: 1:30pm-5:00 pm
  Registration Fee:  $125
  Competency: Communicator/Collaborator/Catalyst (2 Credits)
  
  Conflict is an inevitable aspect of organizational life. The ability to manage and resolve conflicts constructively is a critical skill that affects morale and productivity. The principal focus of this workshop is developing skills of conflict awareness, assessment, and management. Participants will identify their own style of dealing with conflict, and will learn the process of moving a conflict to a problem-solving mode. The resolution of two types of conflicts will be learned: resolving conflicts of needs and resolving conflicts of values. A specific model for conflict resolution is introduced that allows one to manage the negative emotional states involved in typical conflict situations and negotiate constructive agreements.
  Instructor(s):
  Neil Katz,Professor, Training Manager, NOVA Southeastern University and Syracuse University

• 2:00 pm
  Youth Delegates Orientation

• 4:00 pm
  Public Safety and Crime Prevention Steering Committee Meeting

• 4:00 pm
  Community and Economic Development Steering Committee Meeting

• 4:00 pm
  Transportation Services and Infrastructure Steering Committee Meeting

• 4:00 pm
  Asian Pacific American Municipal Officials (APAMO) Business Meeting

• 4:00 pm
  Information Technology and Communications Steering Committee Meeting (Show details)

  Deborah Bierbaum - AT&T
  

• 4:00 pm
  Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Steering Committee Meeting

• 4:00 pm
  Finance, Administration and Intergovernmental Relations Steering Committee Meeting

• 4:00 pm
  National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials (NBC-LEO) Member Networking Open House

• 4:00 pm
  Human Development Steering Committee Meeting

• 4:30 pm
  Democratic Municipal Officials - Council of Policy Leaders Meeting

• 4:30 pm
  Democratic Municipal Officials - Council of State Chairs Meeting

• 4:30 pm
  Louisiana Municipal Association Caucus

• 5:00 pm
  Michigan Municipal League Reception (Petits Plats)

• 5:15 pm
  Orientation for First Time Attendees

• 5:30 pm
  Alabama League of Municipalities Caucus

• 5:45 pm
  National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials (NBC-LEO) Board of Directors

• 6:30 pm
  Asian Pacific American Municipal Officials (APAMO)- Hispanic Elected Local Officals (HELO) - Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Local Officials (GLBTO) Joint Reception

• 8:30 pm
  National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials (NBC-LEO) Evening Out

Monday, March 11, 2013

• 7:00 am
  Registration

• 7:30 am
  First Tier Suburbs Council Steering Committee Meeting

• 7:30 am
  Corporate Partners Sponsored Breakfast Session: Solution: Investing in America's Water (Show details)

  Many cities are seeking to limit water and sewer tariff increases, while crumbling infrastructure and new regulatory requirements cause ever-increasing demands for capital improvements and spending. The ability to unlock value in existing water and wastewater assets, reduce outstanding indebtedness and/or fund new projects, while also reducing operational costs, better managing risks, and securing long term guarantees, are among the benefits several cities are considering by opting for alternative financing approaches. In this session, learn about unique utility public-private partnerships, such as the one in the city of Bayonne, NJ, that generate revenue to improve infrastructure and create sustainable water and wastewater systems for decades to come.
  
  Speaker:
  Dan Sugarman, Vice President, Marketing & Strategy, United Water

• 7:30 am
  Celebrate Diversity Breakfast

• 7:30 am
  Corporate Partners Sponsored Breakfast Session: Smarter Cities and the Possibilities from Smarter Social Programs (Show details)

  Learn more about the challenges cities are facing as more people move to urban areas and government agencies are challenged to serve the needs of these citizens. Leaders are innovating across services to meet the increasing needs and expectations of citizens - with the citizen at the center. Hear from the NYC Department of Homeless Services about their innovative approach to managing the growing problem of homelessness.
  
  Speakers:
  Frederick Trelfa, Executive Agency Council, CARES Program, NYC Department of Homeless Services
  Curtis Clark, Director Global Government, IBM Public Sector
  Walter Sedlazek, Director, IBM Cúram Product Strategy

• 7:30 am
  Corporate Partners Sponsored Breakfast Session: Understanding the Cost and Benefits of Cloud Computing for Your City (Show details)

  Cloud computing is so much more than just the latest technology industry buzzword. Cloud computing provides a new and revolutionary opportunity for cities of all sizes to cut costs, provide essential citizen services quickly and efficiently, stimulate new collaboration between agencies and employees, and reap almost immediate benefit from new innovations. This will be a non-technical, cloud basics forum wherein we will discuss why elected officials from cities both large and small are moving to the cloud and the issues mayors and councilmembers should understand before adopting cloud computing. This discussion will demystify this strategically important new computing trend, reshape elected officials' thinking about the cost and adoption of technology, and identify strategies for managing risk factors of security, privacy and compliance.
  
  Speaker:
  Fred Humphries, Vice President, US Government Affairs, Microsoft Corporation

• 7:30 am
  Corporate Partners Sponsored Breakfast Session: Preserving Homeownership, Properties, and Neighborhood Stabilization (Show details)

  Cities and towns continue to feel the effects of the housing market downturn. This session will present efforts and strategies to address housing and homeownership preservation challenges in municipalities, including handling mortgage delinquency or foreclosure, partnering with municipalities to handle property preservation, addressing code violations, and managing Real Estate Owned (REO) properties, including utilizing repairs to minimize days on market and maximize owner occupancy.
  
  Speakers:
  Marie Day, Senior Vice President, Community Outreach, Wells Fargo
  Tyler Smith, Vice President, REO Community Development, Wells Fargo

• 8:00 am
  Advocacy Central and Social Media Cafe

• 9:00 am
  Opening General Session (Show details)

  Frank Luntz - Washington Speakers Bureau
  Michael Nutter - City of Philadelphia
  Vincent C. Gray - City of Washington
  Wendy Spencer - Corporation for National and Community Service
  

• 11:00 am
  Innovation Clusters and Business Accelerators: Leveraging Federal Resources (Show details)

  Alejandra Castillo - Minority Business Development Agency
  Michael Chodos - US Small Business Agency
  Terry Richards - Minority Business Development Agency
  

  It’s usually private sector businesses, large and small, that tap the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) for resources to develop and promote innovation clusters and business accelerators.  However, these resources are paying off for local officials and their cities too.  Join this session to learn about EDA’s investment priorities and how your community can take advantage of them.  Collaborative regional innovation; access to capital for small, medium-sized, and minority-owned enterprises; local economic adjustment; and business accelerators are among the priorities that will be discussed.  

• 11:00 am
  Building Better Water Infrastructure: Financing for Local Governments (Show details)

  Jon Pawlow, Esq. - Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Services,
  

  Local governments construct, operate, and maintain the vast majority of the country’s water infrastructure networks, which are essential for economic development and quality of life in our communities. But cities face a backlog of projects and challenges funding much needed water infrastructure improvements. Federal mandates, along with the amount of aging infrastructure, are straining local resources to make these investments.  Meanwhile, federal options for grants and loans are dwindling. This session will explore alternative financing mechanisms for water infrastructure projects that are being considered in Congress.

• 11:00 am
  Can Government be Smarter About Housing? (Show details)

  Danielle Bastrache - U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
  John Bohm - National Association of Housing and Redevelopment
  Meg Barclay - U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
  Saul N. Ramirez, Jr. - Nat'l. Assn. of Housing & Redevelopment
  Tammye Trevino - U.S. Department of Agriculture
  Tammye Trevino - U.S. Department of Agriculture
  

  Housing market recovery and the immediate challenge of helping homeowners prevent foreclosure have largely pushed federal rental assistance programs into the background for local officials.  However, the costs of subsidizing rents for families in need continues to climb, requiring larger shares of federal funding and squeezing federal resources available for neighborhood development programs like the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME programs.  In this session, experts from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Department of Agriculture will provide an overview of housing assistance programs across the rural-urban spectrum, through the Section 8, rural housing, and other programs, and share their insights on ways local officials can help more families in an environment of fewer federal resources.  

• 11:00 am
  Reducing Gun Violence in America’s Communities (Show details)

  Nancy Chaney - City of Moscow
  Hon. Pete Constant - City of San Jose
  Steve Hogan - City of Aurora
  

  Every day we are reminded of the toll of gun violence whether by mass shootings, homicides, drive by shootings, or accidental gun firings.  And every day thirty or forty more Americans die because of gun violence.  Can anything be done to stop this?  In this interactive session, a panel of experts will discuss local action being taken to reduce gun violence and the effectiveness of current federal policy and proposals being considered to support those efforts.  

• 11:00 am
  Building Healthy Communities (Show details)

  Caya Lewis - Department of Health and Human Services
  Donna Cohen Ross
  Heidi Goldberg - National League of Cities
  Rick Elumbaugh - City of Batesville
  Tracy Wiedt - National League of Cities
  

  Cities are healthiest when their youngest residents have access to healthy food, exercise and recreational opportunities, and health care.  This session will offer participants information about opportunities for cities to connect to federal and NLC initiatives and/or funding that promote access to healthy food, opportunities for physical activity and access to health benefits for families.  Hear from experts about what is happening in these areas at the national and federal levels, and learn from a peer city about local efforts to improve the health of children in their local community.

• 12:30 pm
  Youth Delegates Forum

• 12:30 pm
  State Municipal League Executive Directors Luncheon Roundtable

• 12:30 pm
  Women in Municipal Government (WIMG)"A Capital Feast" Luncheon

• 12:30 pm
  Afterschool Policy Advisor's Network Luncheon (Show details)

  Jen Rinehart
  

• 12:30 pm
  Suburban Cities: Confronting Decline and Charting a Path to Renewal (Show details)

  David Sander - City of Rancho Cordova
  

  Changing demographics, economic decline, and aging infrastructure are creating a number of unrecognized challenges for most suburban cities across the nation.  The good news is that there is no need to address these challenges on your own.  This session will offer a comprehensive look at the realities suburban cities are encountering and focused roundtable conversations for how to address them.  This session is being presented by the First Tier Suburbs Council at the National League of Cities.

• 12:30 pm
  Small Cities Council Meeting (Show details)

  Doug O'Brien - U.S. Department of Agriculture
  Jennifer Yezak - U.S. Department of Agriculture
  Monica Wyant - U.S. Department of Agriculture
  

• 12:30 pm
  International Council Meeting

• 12:45 pm
  University Communities Council Meeting - Speeding Towards Solutions

• 1:00 pm
  National Organization to Insure A Sound Controlled Environment (NOISE) Legislative Summit - Aviation Noise Help

• 2:00 pm
  Hispanic Elected Local Officials (HELO) Business Meeting

• 2:00 pm
  Winning Advocacy Strategies (Show details)

  In this informative and entertaining session, city leaders will learn some of the latest strategies for advocating for NLC’s legislative priorities on Capitol Hill or at home.  With Congress poised to consider legislation this year that could have significant impact for the better or the worse on local communities, you won’t want to miss out on this special opportunity to learn how to be an effective advocate for your communities during the Conference and the other 51 weeks of the year.    

• 2:00 pm
  Federal Agency Round Robin (Show details)

  Anthony Wilhelm - U.S. Department of Commerce, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, Broadband Technology Opportunities Program
  Brian Ketz - U.S. Department of Labor
  Bruce Kelly - General Services Administration
  Chris Thomas - CH2M HILL
  Curtis Coy - U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs
  Danielle Elkins - CH2M HILL
  Donna Cohen Ross
  Eleanor Blume - Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
  Gretchen Gooding - U.S. Census Bureau
  Janet Gordon - Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
  Janet Quist
  Jed Herrmann - Corporation for National and Community Service
  Kerry Duggan - U.S. Department of Energy
  Kevin Nelson
  Kim Allman - Corporation for National and Community Service
  Leslie Wollack - National League of Cities
  Louisa Quittman - U.S. Department of the Treasury
  Mandana Yousefi - U.S. Department of Agriculture
  Patricia Overmeyer - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
  Robert Reynolds - U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs
  Stephanie Turner - General Services Administration
  Stephen Fletcher - National Telecommunications and Information Administration
  Steven Hicks - U.S. Department of Education
  Tim Gilbert - U.S. Census Bureau
  Timothy Green - U.S. Department of Labor
  Travis Loop - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
  Veronique Pluviose-Fenton
  Wendy Wasserman - U.S. Department of Agriculture
  

  In this session, participants will have opportunities to connect with representatives from federal agencies about various federal programs and opportunities available to cities and towns.  The representatives will answer questions about federal resources, tools, grants, and programs of interest to local governments in a series of 20 minute facilitated small group discussions.  
  

• 2:00 pm
  Western Municipal Association

• 2:00 pm
  DETROPIA, Film Screening and Discussion (Show details)

  This award-winning documentary by Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady explores the complex challenges of globalization, race relations, urban decay and the disconnections between citizens and government facing cities today with a focus on the City of Detroit.  This special sneak peak screening of the film precedes the May release to national public television stations.  A discussion of the film and its major themes will follow the screening.

• 3:45 pm
  Afternoon General Session (Show details)

  Kathleen Sebelius - Department of Health and Human Services
  Gen Martin E Dempsey - Department of Defense
  Michael Nutter - City of Philadelphia
  Shaun Donovan - U.S. Dept. of Housing & Urban Devt.
  

• 5:00 pm
  League of Kansas Municipalities Legislative Briefing

• 5:00 pm
  Florida League of Cities Reception

• 5:00 pm
  Organization for Local Progress Cocktail Reception

• 5:00 pm
  Colorado Municipal League Issues Briefing

• 5:00 pm
  North Carolina League of Municipalities Caucus

• 5:15 pm
  National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials (NBC-LEO) General Membership Meeting

• 5:15 pm
  Youth Delegates and Elected Officials Event

• 5:30 pm
  Association of Washington Cities Reception

• 5:30 pm
  League of Arizona Cities and Towns Reception

• 5:30 pm
  Texas Municipal League Reception (Ticketed Event)

• 6:00 pm
  League of California Cities Reception

• 6:30 pm
  Maine Municipal Association/North Dakota League of Cities Informal Dinner – Petit Plats French Restaurant

• 7:00 pm
  Connecticut Conference of Municipalities Dutch-Treat Dinner-Sonoma Restaurant and Wine Bar

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

• 7:00 am
  Small Cities Council Steering Committee Meeting

• 7:00 am
  Republican Mayors and Local Officials Breakfast

• 7:00 am
  Council on Youth, Education and Families Meeting

• 7:00 am
  Women in Municipal Government (WIMG) Board of Directors Meeting

• 7:00 am
  Registration

• 7:00 am
  Large Cities Council

• 7:00 am
  University Communities Council Steering Committee

• 7:00 am
  State League Legislative Briefing Breakfast

• 7:00am
  Democratic Municipal Officials National Breakfast Meeting

• 7:15 am
  Military Communities Council

• 8:00 am
  Conference Connection Lounge

• 8:30 am
  Educating America -- How City Elected Officials Can Influence School Reform (Show details)

  Mark Glaze - Mayors Against Illegal Guns
  Randi Weingarten - American Federation of Teachers
  

  For many years business leaders, educators, politicians, and advocates have decried the “sorry state of education” in our country, and numerous reform proposals to improve the nation’s education system have been enacted or considered.  At the federal level, in 2001, “No Child Left Behind ” became law and committed millions of dollars to improve student test scores, teacher training, and school system outcomes.  Despite these investments, dropout rates remain too high, testing scores are too low, and disparate school systems are emerging.  Even though generally not responsible or accountable for the day-to-day management of their city’s school system, mayors and other city and town elected officials have been trying to help make a difference.  This plenary session will examine the state of federal education policy and efforts underway to improve it, and explore the role that local officials can play in improving their local school systems.  

• 8:30 am
  Comprehensive Immigration Reform – What Does It Mean for Cities? (Show details)

  Andres Jimenez - City of New York - Office of Federal Affairs
  Ann Morse - National Conference of State Legislators
  Audrey Singer - Brookings Institute
  Brad Johnson - Department of Homeland Security
  James Bueermann - Police Foundation
  Steve Tobocman - Global Detroit
  

  America's immigration system is broken with the burdens falling on local governments and the failure to take action to fix the system increasingly detrimental to the livelihood of our cities and towns.  As the nation’s leaders begin to consider proposals to reform the system, city leaders call for comprehensive immigration reform to help stimulate the economy, grow the nation’s workforce, and remain competitive in the 21st century global marketplace.  A comprehensive solution also must include eliminating illegal border entry, increasing enforcement of visa overstays, strengthening the worksite enforcement capacity, supporting a process to allow undocumented immigrants currently living in the United States to earn legalized status and providing local governments with financial and technical assistance to alleviate the local impact of new immigrants.  This session will look at the current prospects for reform legislation and prepare attendees to be a champion for it.  

• 8:30 am
  Protecting Cities in the Federal Budget Debates (Show details)

  Betsy Laird - International Council of Shopping Centers
  Ed Rendell - Fix the Debt
  John Marks - City of Tallahassee
  Mr. Ralph Becker - City of Salt Lake City
  

  As debates over how to reduce the federal deficit continue, city leaders call on Congress to adopt a bipartisan and balanced approach to address the deficit and avoid the harm that would result from automatic across-the-board spending cuts, also known as sequestration.  While eliminating or capping the federal income tax exemption provided to interest paid on municipal bonds (debt) is not part of any active proposal, lawmakers from both sides of the aisle and the White House continue to consider it as a source of revenue to reduce the deficit or fund new programs.   If the federal income tax exemption is altered, cities will pay more to finance projects, leading to less infrastructure investment, fewer jobs, and greater burdens on tax payers who will have to pay higher taxes and fees. At the same time Congress is looking to close the federal deficit, it has an opportunity to provide cities with authority to collect sales taxes already owed on Internet and other remote purchases by supporting the recently introduced Marketplace Fairness Act. Come to this session to learn the latest on these proposals and others impacting the federal investments important to cities, and how you can protect your community as these debates move forward.  

• 10:15 am
  Youth Delegates Wrap Up (Show details)

  Anthony DeLaRosa - United States Student Association
  Kalwis Lo - United States Student Association
  Tiffany Dena Loftin - United States Student Association
  

• 10:15 am
  Extreme Weather Events: Preparing Cities, Engaging Leaders (Show details)

  Brendan Shane - District Department of the Environment
  Cindy Lerner - Village of Pinecrest
  Craig Thurmond - City of Broken Arrow
  Henrietta Davis - City of Cambridge
  Joe Lerch - Virginia Municipal League
  Kate Barba - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
  Margaret Davidson - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
  Matthew Appelbaum - City of Boulder
  

  While cities across the country are seeing the devastation associated with a changing climate, recent extreme weather events have brought renewed attention to the need for cities to anticipate, prepare for, and adapt to these events. This workshop will give an overview of the federal government’s efforts to address climate change and available federal resources. A panel of mayors will discuss their experiences in preparing for and responding to extreme weather events and share their perspectives on how these issues will impact cities across the country.

• 10:15 am
  EPA Integrated Planning and Affordability: Working with Local Governments (Show details)

  Arnita Hannon
  Christine Guitar - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
  Connie Bosma - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
  Dominique Lueckenhoff - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
  Kevin Weiss - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
  Michael A. Sesma - City of Gaithersburg
  Rachel Herbert - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
  Sarah Hospodor-Pallone - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
  Shawn Garvin - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
  

  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has begun efforts to help local governments meet their Clean Water Act requirements in an efficient and cost effective manner and examine the fiscal impact of regulatory compliance. This session will provide an overview of EPA’s integrated planning framework and the local government affordability dialogue and allow attendees to engage directly with Agency officials and other local elected officials on how to take advantage of these new flexibilities for local governments.  

• 10:15 am
  Proper Venue? The Courts’ Effects on Local Authority (Show details)

  Charles W. Thompson
  Nancy Prosser - Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
  Timothy (Tim) Lay - Spiegel and McDiarmid
  

  In addition to advocating on the Hill, cities increasingly have turned to the court system to preserve local authority and ensure judicial deference to policy determinations made by local governing bodies.   In this session, attendees will get an update on cases important to cities pending before the U.S. Supreme Court, including the FCC “shot clock” case, and those already decided that involved public official immunity, takings, and local government taxing authority.  Attendees also will learn about the state court battles against online travel companies and how the decisions in those cases affect local tax revenues.  

• 10:15 am
  Welcome Home: Ensuring Veterans Are Successfully Reintegrated in Your Community (Show details)

  Col. Anthony Henderson - Warrior and Family Support Office of the Chairman
  Mike Monroe - Points of Light Foundation
  Lt. Col. Randall Smith - Warrior and Family Support Office of the Chairman
  

• 10:15 am
  America’s Multi-modal Transportation Network: What’s Ahead? (Show details)

  Daniel P. Gilmartin - Michigan Municipal League
  Daniel P. Gilmartin - Michigan Municipal League
  Drew Preston - U.S. Chamber of Commerce
  Drew Preston - U.S. Chamber of Commerce
  Joanna Liberman - U.S. Department of Transportation
  Therese McMillan - U.S. Department of Transportation
  

  America’s interconnected, multimodal transportation network supports economic growth and community vitality.   Our national system of airports, ports, railroads, transit systems and highways move goods and people with substantial contributions from local governments and their citizens.  What is the federal role in supporting these vital networks?  How do we ensure that the local voice is part of the decision making process so that these crucial transportation infrastructure investments fit into larger community goals such as economic development and creating vibrant downtowns?   Congress will take up several important transportation programs this year including reauthorization of Amtrak, sustained transportation funding for highway, transit and bridge programs and renewal of the nation’s federal aviation system.   Come learn what these key legislative proposals mean for cities and how to make sure your voice is part of the debate.

• 11:15 am
  Delegate Security Clearance into Closing Lunch and General Session (Show details)

  A ticket is required. Tickets will be given out during registration check-in. Please bring it with you to the luncheon or you will be refused entry.

• 12:30 pm
  Delegates Lunch and Closing General Session (Show details)

  J.C. Watts, Jr. - J. C. Watts Companies
  Joe Biden - The White House
  John McCain - United States Senate
  Tom Vilsack - U.S. Department of Agriculture
  

  The lunch is included in the cost of registration, but a ticket is required. Tickets will be given out during registration. Please bring it with you to the luncheon or you will be refused entry.

  Vice President Biden will be speaking at the Tuesday luncheon, along with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, Senator John McCain (R-AZ) and former Congressman J.C. Watts.

• 2:15 pm
  Caucus for Maine Municipal Officials

• 5:15 pm
  League of Oregon Cities Briefing

• 6:00 pm
  Mississippi Municipal League Congressional Appreciation

• 6:15 pm
  The Capitol Steps Performance (Show details)

  The Capitol Steps began as a group of Senate staffers who set out to satirize the very people and places that employed them.
  The group was born in December, 1981 when some staffers for Senator Charles Percy were planning entertainment for a Christmas party. Their first idea was to stage a nativity play, but in the whole Congress they couldn't find three wise men or a virgin. So, they decided to dig into the headlines of the day, and they created song parodies & skits which conveyed a special brand of satirical humor.
  In the years that followed, many of the Steps ignored the conventional wisdom ("Don't quit your day job!"), and although not all of the current members of the Steps are former Capitol Hill staffers, taken together the performers have worked in a total of eighteen Congressional offices and represent 62 years of collective House and Senate staff experience.
  Since they began, the Capitol Steps have recorded over 30 albums, including their latest, Take the Money and Run — for President. They've been featured on NBC, CBS, ABC, and PBS, and can be heard 4 times a year on National Public Radio stations nationwide during their Politics Takes a Holiday radio specials.

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

• 8:00 am
  Connecticut Conference of Municipalities Congressional Delegation Breakfast

• 8:00 am
  Alabama League of Municipalities Breakfast with U.S. Senators

Hotel/Travel

Marriott Wardman Park Hotel
Washington, DC
(202)328-2000

Book your room

Presenters

1. Allman, Kim

   Corporation for National and Community Service
2. Appelbaum, Matthew

   City of Boulder
   Mayor
3. Arwood, Todd

   Todd Arwood Performance Partners
   Todd Arwood founded Todd Arwood Seminars, Inc. in March of 1999 in Louisville, Kentucky. Through a determination to make a positive difference in workplace environments, Todd Arwood Seminars experienced phenomenal business growth and Mr. Arwood became a sought out trainer for organizations seeking excellence. Through the process of working intimately with organizations, Todd Arwood Seminars slowly began to shift business paradigms from just basic seminars to full-fledged organizational development via customized learning programs. After months of research and strategic planning, he decided to change the business name and image to more clearly reflect the mission, hence Todd Arwood Performance Partners.
4. Barba, Kate

   National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
   Chief, National Policy and Evaluation Division
5. Barclay, Meg

   U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
6. Bastrache, Danielle

   U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
7. Becker, Ralph

   City of Salt Lake City
   Mayor
8. Biden, Joe

   The White House
   47th Vice President of the United States As a Senator from Delaware for 36 years, Senator Biden established himself as a leader on some of our nation's most important domestic and international challenges. As Chairman or Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee for 17 years, then-Senator Biden was widely recognized for his work on criminal justice issues including the landmark 1994 Crime Bill and the Violence Against Women Act. As Chairman or Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee since 1997, then-Senator Biden played a pivotal role in shaping U.S. foreign policy. He has been at the forefront of issues and legislation related to terrorism, weapons of mass destruction, post-Cold War Europe, the Middle East, and Southwest Asia. Full bio: http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/vice-president-biden
9. Bierbaum, Deborah

   AT&T
   Executive Director External Tax Policy
10. Blume, Eleanor

    Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
    Associate, Intergovermental Affairs
11. Bohm, John

    National Association of Housing and Redevelopment
    Senior Director, Congressional Relations, Public Affairs and Field Operations
12. Bosma, Connie

    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
    Chief, Municipal Branch, Water Permits Division, Office of Wastewater Management, Office of Water
13. Bowen, Dale

    Public Technology Institute
14. Brigham, Steve

    America Speaks
    Steve became President of AmericaSpeaks in July, 2012, after serving for 12 years as the organizations Chief Operating Officer. Steve has experience in every aspect of AmericaSpeaks’ projects and organizational work. He has led several dozen public engagement and stakeholder engagement projects and has deep experience in project design, meeting design, and large and small group facilitation. He led the growth of AmericaSpeaks from a $1 million annual budget to a $5 million-plus annual budget. He has led projects at the city, state, region, and international levels on policy issues ranging from health care reform and strategic budgeting to urban planning, global poverty, and climate change. Prior to joining AmericaSpeaks, Steve served as a senior associate for the Kaludis Consulting Group in the Strategy Group, working primarily on strategic planning and organizational assessment projects for higher education clients. He also served as a principal at Group Decision Support Systems.
15. Brown, Theo

    America Speaks
    Theo Brown has more than 30 years of experience as an organizer, administrator, facilitator, and trainer working on behalf of social justice, human rights, racial reconciliation, and intercultural understanding. He has worked with a wide variety of national organizations, regional coalitions, and local community projects which seek to empower and involve individuals in efforts to make a difference on important social issues. Theo began his career as a social change organizer in the 1970s when he worked as a community organizer in Roanoke, VA. He later spent three more years working in similar programs in inner-city neighborhoods in San Francisco, CA and Waco, TX. After his time as a community organizer, he worked for eight years for national organizations working for human rights, political reform, and nuclear arms control. Specific position he held include: Western Regional Director of Amnesty International, Texas State Director of Common Cause, Regional Director of Common Cause, and Executive Director of Ground Zero. During the past 15 years, Theo has served as a consultant for many community organizations, educational institutions, and other groups working to increase understanding and cooperative action across ethnic, cultural and religious lines. Organizations he has worked for include: the Interfaith Alliance, the National Conference for Community and Justice, the Fetzer Institute, the Faith and Politics Institute, Alexandria Interfaith Ministry, American University, and the Maryland Commission on African-American History and Culture. Since 1998, he has also been a Senior Associate with AmericaSpeaks. In this capacity, he has helped to coordinate outreach and recruit participants for town meetings that were attended by thousands of people in Washington, DC, New York City, Los Angeles, Cincinnati, Akron, New Orleans, Atlanta, Dallas, Albuquerque, and many other cities across the country.
16. Bueermann, James

    Police Foundation
17. Calhoun, John

    National Crime Prevention Council
    An internationally renowned public speaker, Jack Calhoun in his “retirement,” directs the 13-California City Gang Prevention Network for the National League of Cities, and serves as Senior Consultant to the U.S. Department of Justice for its National Forum to Prevent Youth Violence. He is the author of Hope Matters: The Untold Story of How Faith Works in America. Jack served as Commissioner of the Department of Youth Services in Massachusetts where he chaired the Adolescent and State of the Family task forces. In 1979 President Carter appointed him as U.S. Commissioner of the Administration for Children, Youth and Families, overseeing such programs as Head Start, foster care and adoption. He helped to write the landmark Child Welfare and Adoption Act of 1980, called “one of the three most important laws affecting children in the last 100 years.” He was Vice President of the Child Welfare League of America and , in 1983, the first President of the National Crime Prevention Council, where, for 20 years, he revolutionized crime prevention by focusing on building vital communities, and involving youth as positive community change agents. Beginning as a teacher and community organizer, he created employment, court diversion and restitution programs for Action for Boston Community Development and Justice Resource Institute. In constant demand as a speaker, jack has also testified before city councils, county commissions, state legislatures and Congress. A frequent media guest, he has served on numerous boards, published many articles, and received many awards. Listed in WHO’s WHO IN AMERICA and THE WORLD, he earned a BA from Brown University, a Master’s Degree in Theology from the Episcopal Divinity School, a Master’s degree with honors in Public Administration from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government and, from Heidelberg College, an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters.
18. Cardinal, Jon

    United States Senate
19. Castillo, Alejandra

    Minority Business Development Agency
    National Deputy Director
20. Chaney, Nancy

    City of Moscow
    Mayor
21. Chapman, Malcom

    City of Rapid City
    Malcom “Chap” Chapman is president and founder of the Chapman Group, founded 1996, which offers a variety of consulting services including retreat facilitation, strategic planning, training, leadership development, course development, seminars, and keynote addresses. Additionally, he offers course work based on models he has designed: Harvesting the Company Mind and The Five Powers. Chap draws from wide-ranging experience in both public and private sectors to enrich his work through the Chapman Group. He served in the U.S. Marine Corp and held the rank of Captain at his discharge, enjoyed a career in professional sales, worked as a consultant to the Center for Naval Analysis—a Washington, D.C. think tank, and is active with American Society for Training and Development. Elected to the Rapid City Common Council in 2004, Chap served as Ward 5 Alderman for three two-year terms. He was elected by his peers to the leadership position of vice-president and later to the position of president. As president, he chaired budget hearings which adopted a $126 million budget while serving as liaison to sixteen different committees. Committees Chap served on during his time on the Council included Legal and Finance Committee (Chair), Vision 2012 Committee, Public Works Committee, Capital Improvements Program Committee, Safe Streets Task Force (Chair), Rapid City Regional Airport Board (Liaison), Task Force on Strengthening Families and Improving Outcomes for Children and Youth, Dakota Land Trust Board (President), Floodplain Development Policy Committee, Tax Increment Finance Committee, Deer Herd Management Committee, Emergency Management Committee, Water Advocacy Task Force, and Annexation Sub-Committee. While on the Council, Chap was active with the SD Municipal League which extended to his participation on the Resolutions Committee and Taxation and Revenue Committee. Chap’s commitment to local government led him to become active in the National League of Cities (NLC). In addition to presenting at NLC Leadership Training Institute (LTI) Seminars, Chap has served on the Board of Directors, NLC’s Human Development Steering Committee, LTI Board, Governance Taskforce, and Advisory Council. That same commitment has led Chap back to school to peruse a Masters in Public Administration. Service has been central to Chap throughout his life. His activity with community organizations includes Optimists International, Optimists of the Black Hills, Leadership Rapid City, United Way of the Black Hills, Rapid City Chamber of Commerce, Youth and Family Services, and Rapid City Library Foundation, and life member of the Military Officer Association of America. Chap’s current priority is to work to further early childhood education and affordable housing issues. Chap and his family live in Rapid City, SD.
22. Chodos, Michael

    US Small Business Agency
    Associate Administrator for the Office of Entrepreneurial Development
23. Cohen Ross, Donna
24. Constant, Pete

    City of San Jose
    Councilmember
25. Coy, Curtis

    U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs
    Deputy Under Secretary for Economic Opportunity
26. Davidson, Margaret

    National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
    Acting Director, Ocean and Coastal Resource Management
27. Davis, Henrietta

    City of Cambridge
    Mayor
28. DeLaRosa, Anthony

    United States Student Association
29. Dempsey, Martin

    Department of Defense
    General Dempsey is the 18th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He is the highest-ranking military officer in the U.S. Armed Forces and the principal military advisor to the President, the Secretary of Defense and the National Security Council. Prior to becoming Chairman, Dempsey served as the Army’s 37th Chief of Staff. A New Jersey native and career armor officer, General Dempsey is a 1974 graduate of West Point. During more than 37 years of service, he has commanded at every echelon – from platoon to combatant command across the United States and the globe.
30. Dena Loftin, Tiffany

    United States Student Association
31. Donovan, Shaun

    U.S. Dept. of Housing & Urban Devt.
    On January 26, 2009, Shaun Donovan was sworn in as the 15th United States Secretary for Housing and Urban Development. He has devoted his career to ensuring access to safe, decent, and affordable housing, and has continued that effort in the Obama Administration. Secretary Donovan believes that America's homes are the foundation for family, safe neighborhoods, good schools, and job creation. His tenure as HUD Secretary has reflected his commitment to making quality housing possible for every American. Sworn in at a time when the foreclosure crisis had devastated American families, under Secretary Donovan’s leadership HUD has helped stabilize the housing market and worked to keep responsible families in their homes. The agency has instituted reforms that have solidified the Federal Housing Administration’s financial position and protected the taxpayer against risk, while still preserving FHA’s mission of providing responsible access to homeownership. In December 2012, President Obama signed an Executive Order creating the Hurricane Sandy Rebuilding Task Force and appointed Secretary Donovan as Chair. The Task Force is charged with creating a comprehensive regional plan, based on local vision for redevelopment, to guide long term disaster recovery efforts. This appointment built on his experience with disaster-related recovery and rebuilding challenges from a national perspective in response to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Together with U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, he led the President’s Long-Term Disaster Working Group composed of more than 20 federal agencies. The Group worked closely with State and local communities, as well as experts and stakeholders from around the nation, to create the National Disaster Recovery Framework published in 2011. Secretary Donovan has reaffirmed HUD’s commitment to building strong, sustainable, inclusive neighborhoods that are connected to education and jobs and provide access to opportunity for all Americans. He has launched new initiatives like Choice Neighborhoods, which will enable distressed communities to use proven mixed-use, mixed-finance tools to transform not just federally-assisted housing, but the neighborhoods around that housing. And through the new Sustainable Communities partnership with the Department of Transportation and the Environmental Protection Agency, HUD is helping regions and communities develop comprehensive housing and transportation plans that create jobs and help American businesses out-innovate their global competitors. Secretary Donovan has a long history of working to provide affordable housing to American families. He previously served as Commissioner of the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD). He created and implemented HPD's New Housing Marketplace Plan to build and preserve 165,000 affordable homes, the largest municipal affordable housing plan in the nation's history. His work at HPD included the New York City Acquisition Fund, an award-winning collaboration with foundations and banks to finance affordable housing; an innovative inclusionary zoning program; an ambitious supportive housing plan; and the Center for New York City Neighborhoods, one of the earliest responses to the foreclosure crisis. Before his service as HPD Commissioner, Secretary Donovan worked in the private sector on financing affordable housing, and was a visiting scholar at New York University, where he researched and wrote about the preservation of federally-assisted housing. He was also a consultant to the Millennial Housing Commission on strategies for increasing the production of multifamily housing. The Commission was created by the United States Congress to recommend ways to expand housing opportunities across the nation. Secretary Donovan rejoins HUD after his previous service in the Clinton administration as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Multifamily Housing, where he was the primary federal official responsible for privately-owned multifamily housing. At that time, he ran housing programs that helped 1.7 million families access affordable housing. He also served as acting FHA Commissioner during the Clinton/Bush presidential transition. Prior to his first service at HUD, he worked at the Community Preservation Corporation (CPC) in New York City, a non-profit lender and developer of affordable housing. He also researched and wrote about housing policy at the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University and worked as an architect. Secretary Donovan holds a B.A. and Masters degrees in Public Administration and Architecture from Harvard.
32. Duggan, Kerry

    U.S. Department of Energy
    Stakeholder Engagement Director
33. Elkins, Danielle

    CH2M HILL
    Southeast Director, US Government Affairs
34. Elumbaugh, Rick

    City of Batesville
    Mayor
35. Falcuson, Jeff

    National Association of Housing and Redevelopment
36. Fletcher, Stephen

    National Telecommunications and Information Administration
    Associate Administrator
37. Freely, Joshua

    The Reinvestment Fund
38. Garvin, Shawn

    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
    Regional Administrator, Region III
39. Gilbert, Tim

    U.S. Census Bureau
    Survey Statistician
40. Gilmartin, Daniel

    Michigan Municipal League
41. Glaze, Mark

    Mayors Against Illegal Guns
    Executive Director
42. Goldberg, Heidi

    National League of Cities
    NLC staff
43. Goldstein, Ira

    The Reinvestment Fund
44. Gooding, Gretchen

    U.S. Census Bureau
    Survey Statistician
45. Gordon, Janet

    Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
    Acting Section Chief, Community Affairs Branch
46. Gray, Vincent

    City of Washington
    Mayor
47. Green, Timothy

    U.S. Department of Labor
    Director, Office of Strategic Outreach, Veterans Employment and Training Service (VETS)
48. Guitar, Christine

    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
    Communications Director, Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance
49. Hannon, Arnita
    Intergovernmental Liaison, Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Relations
50. Henderson, Col. Anthony

    Warrior and Family Support Office of the Chairman
    Special Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
51. Herbert, Rachel

    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
    Municipal Stormwater Program, Office of Water
52. Herrmann, Jed

    Corporation for National and Community Service
53. Hicks, Steven

    U.S. Department of Education
    Senior Policy Advisor
54. Hogan, Steve

    City of Aurora
    Mayor
55. Hospodor-Pallone, Sarah

    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
    Deputy Associate Administrator, Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Relations
56. Jimenez, Andres

    City of New York - Office of Federal Affairs
57. Johnson, Brad

    Department of Homeland Security
58. Katz, Neil

    Nova Southeastern University
    Training Manager, NOVA Southeastern University and Syracuse University
59. Kelly, Bruce

    General Services Administration
    Industry Specialist
60. Ketz, Brian

    U.S. Department of Labor
    Chief of Staff, Veterans Employment and Training Service (VETS)
61. Laird, Betsy

    International Council of Shopping Centers
    Senior Staff Vice President, Office of Global Public Policy
62. Lay, Timothy (Tim)

    Spiegel and McDiarmid
    Partner
63. Lerch, Joe

    Virginia Municipal League
    Director of Environmental Policy
64. Lerner, Cindy

    Village of Pinecrest
    Mayor
65. Lewis, Caya

    Department of Health and Human Services
    Council to the Secretary
66. Liberman, Joanna

    U.S. Department of Transportation
    Deputy Assistant Secretary, Intergovernmental Affairs
67. Lindenbaum, Dara

    Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights
    Associate Counsel, Voting Rights Project
68. Lo, Kalwis

    United States Student Association
69. Loop, Travis

    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
    US EPA
70. Lueckenhoff, Dominique

    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
71. Luntz, Frank

    Washington Speakers Bureau
    Dr. Frank Luntz, celebrated pollster and political consultant, will address conference attendees at this year's Congressional City Conference in Washington this March. Luntz will speak to conference attendees at the opening general session on Monday, March 11, 2013. Luntz's insight and expertise on communication is critical now as NLC leaders seek to influence the national policy debate, both in Washington and throughout the country. Luntz—a ‘language architect and public opinion guru'—is widely recognized for his ability to craft messages that resonate with the American people. He will offer his renowned understanding on messaging to city leaders and share effective tips on crafting powerful and compelling advocacy rhetoric. Additionally, he will discuss how to use specific words and language to talk successfully with federal policy makers and constituents, articulate and frame policy debates and compose winning messages. Luntz draws his experience as the architect of several national policy campaigns, including the 2005 immigration debate, and is widely recognized as the pollster of record for the Contract of America in 1994, that was credited with returning the House of Representatives to the Republican Party. Luntz has advised everyone from Presidential candidates to Members of Congress and Rudy Giuliani when he campaigned for, and served as mayor of New York City. In addition, his polling firm has done work for more than two dozen Fortune 100 companies. He is the author of three New York Times bestsellers, including Words that Work: It's Not what You say, It's What People Hear. From 1989 until 1996 Dr. Luntz was an Adjunct Professor at the University of Pennsylvania; he has also taught classes at Harvard and George Washington University.
72. Marks, John

    City of Tallahassee
    Mayor, City of Tallahassee
73. McCain, John

    United States Senate
    Senator John McCain has a remarkable record of leadership and experience that embodies his unwavering lifetime commitment to service. First elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from Arizona in 1982, John has led the fight for reforming Washington, eliminating wasteful government spending, and strengthening our nation's armed forces. Senator McCain's reform agenda to reduce federal spending and lower taxes quickly elevated him to statewide office and he was elected to the United States Senate in 1986, after serving two terms in the U.S. House. In the Senate, he continued to demand that Congress put an end to loopholes for special interests and fix the broken system in Washington that too often allows lobbyists to write legislation and members of Congress to waste taxpayer money. In November of 2010, Senator McCain was overwhelmingly reelected with nearly sixty percent of the vote. As the son and grandson of distinguished Navy admirals, John McCain deeply values duty, honor and service of country. John attended college at the United States Naval Academy, and launched a 22-year career as a naval aviator upon his graduation. On July 29, 1967, John narrowly survived the first of many near-death experiences during his lifetime while preparing to take off on a bombing mission over North Vietnam from his ship, the USS Forrestal. A missile accidentally fired from a nearby plane struck the fuel tanks on his plane. Instead of taking the option to return home after the Forrestal disaster, Senator McCain volunteered for more combat duty - a fateful decision that stopped the clock on his life and separated him from his family, and country, for five and a half years. During his 23rd bombing mission on October 26, 1967, a missile struck his plane and forced him to eject, knocking him unconscious and breaking both his arms and his leg. John was then taken as a prisoner of war into the now infamous "Hanoi Hilton," where he was denied necessary medical treatment and often beaten by the North Vietnamese. He spent much of his time as a prisoner of war in solitary confinement, aided by his faith and the friendships of his fellow POWs. When he was finally released and able to return home years later, Senator McCain continued his service by regaining his naval flight status. Senator McCain's last Navy duty assignment was to serve as the naval liaison to the United States Senate. He retired from the Navy in 1981. His naval honors include the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Legion of Merit, Purple Heart, and the Distinguished Flying Cross. Senator McCain currently serves on the following Senate Committees during the 113th Congress: Armed Services Committee; Committee on Foreign Relations; Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, and Committee on Indian Affairs. Senator McCain has seven children and four grandchildren, and currently lives in Phoenix, Arizona with his wife Cindy
74. McMillan, Therese

    U.S. Department of Transportation
    Deputy Assistant Secretary
75. Monroe, Mike

    Points of Light Foundation
    VP of Military Initiatives
76. Moore, Andrew

    National League of Cities
    Senior Fellow, Institute for Youth, Education and Families, NLC
77. Morse, Ann

    National Conference of State Legislators
78. Nelson, Kevin
    Senior Policy Analyst, Office of Sustainable Communities
79. Novak, Julia

    The Novak Consulting Group
    Julia established The Novak Consulting Group in September 2009 when she acquired Public Management Partners. From 2003 to 2009, she served as a Vice President for a local government consulting firm. Julia has more than 20 years of experience working with and for local governments. She is a consultant, trainer and facilitator who has worked with numerous organizations and community groups. During her local government career, she worked in Fort Collins, Colorado; Lexington, Massachusetts; Rockville, Maryland; and was City Manager of Rye, New York. Julia has extensive experience as a facilitator and trainer. She has worked with elected official and appointed officials across the country to conduct goal setting, develop strategic plans and prioritize service delivery. She has conducted training for elected officials as an individual trainer, through the National League of Cities, and through a consortium of cities in California. Topics included leadership style and evaluating elected officials. Julia has also established herself as a thought leader in the area of governance and administration. In April 2002, Julia was one of 20 practitioners who participated in the ICMA-sponsored symposium on the future of local government administration. Her response to Dr. James Svara’s paper, “City Council, Roles, Performance, and the Form of Government,” is included in the ICMA-published book, “The Future of Local Government Administration.” In 2009, she co-authored an article with Dr. John Nalbandian for publication in Public Management Magazine called "Preparing Councils for Their Work." In 2000, the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) awarded Julia its Assistant’s Excellence in Leadership Award for work she did building community and increasing organizational capacity as Deputy City Manager of Rockville, Maryland. Julia has been a speaker at national conferences for the ICMA, National League of Cities and American Society of Public Administrators. She has been a featured speaker/trainer for many state associations, including Ohio, Vermont, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, the Metropolitan (D.C.) Association of Local Government Administrators and the Illinois Assistant Municipal Managers Association. Julia earned a bachelor’s degree in government and politics from George Mason University and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Kansas. Julia was in the first class of individuals certified by ICMA as Credentialed Local Government Managers, and maintains that designation. She is certified to administer several level-B psychological assessments, including the Myers-Briggs Personality Type Indicator, Apter Motivational Styles Profile and the Strength Deployment Inventory. She also is trained in popular level-A assessments, including the Thomas-Killman Conflict Modes Inventory and the Human Element-B.
80. Nutter, Michael

    City of Philadelphia
    Mayor
81. O'Brien, Doug

    U.S. Department of Agriculture
    Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development
82. Overmeyer, Patricia

    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
    Land Revitalization Coordinator, Office of Brownfields and Land Revitalization, Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response
83. Paine, Scott

    City of Tampa
    Councilmember, City of Tampa
84. Pawlow, Esq., Jon

    Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Services,
    Counsel
85. Pluviose-Fenton, Veronique
86. Preston, Drew

    U.S. Chamber of Commerce
87. Prosser, Nancy

    Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
    Special Assistant for Tax Policy
88. Quist, Janet
    Department of Homeland Security, National Association Coordinator
89. Quittman, Louisa

    U.S. Department of the Treasury
    Director, Financial Education
90. Ramirez, Saul

    Nat'l. Assn. of Housing & Redevelopment
    Chief Executive Officer
91. Rendell, Ed

    Fix the Debt
    After 34 years of public service, including 24 years as an elected official, Governor Rendell continues to pursue many of the same issues he was passionate about while serving. His commitment to making America a cleaner, more efficient place and to fostering investment in our nation's crumbling infrastructure is as strong as it ever was. Rendell has become a champion for progress in the area of alternative energy, and now serves as a consultant or board member for several green and alternative energy firms, including Own Energy, Element Partners and Ocean Thermal Energy. He has also remained heavily involved in the campaign for government efficiency and strategic cost cutting through his work with entities such as Government Sourcing Solutions, Public Financial Management and Greenhill Advisors. Perhaps no other issue has been and continues to be as important to Governor Rendell as America's dire need to rebuild and reinvest in its infrastructure. As Governor, Rendell worked with Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to create an organization called "Building America's Future." The organization focuses on the need for a more significant investment in American infrastructure projects to ensure that America maintains its place as a global economic power. Governor Rendell currently serves as Co-Chair of the organization and travels throughout the country speaking about this issue. Rendell served two terms as Governor of Pennsylvania (2003-2011) and oversaw a budget of $28.3 billion as the chief executive of the nation's 6th-most-populous state. As Governor, Rendell was committed to making government more responsible and responsive to the public's needs, and he successfully cut wasteful spending and improved efficiency leading to savings of over $1 billion. His legislative agenda focused on commonsense political reform and putting progress ahead of partisanship. Through his unprecedented strategic investments, he energized Pennsylvania's economy, revitalized communities, improved education, protected the environment, expanded access to health care to all children, and made affordable prescription drugs available to older Pennsylvanians. During his two terms as Mayor of Philadelphia (1992-2000), Rendell eliminated a crippling deficit, balanced the City's budget, and generated five consecutive budget surpluses. Philadelphia's renaissance, which The New York Times called "the most stunning turnaround in recent urban history," is largely attributed to his determination, inspiration, and energy. Before serving as Mayor, Rendell was elected District Attorney of Philadelphia for two terms from 1978 through 1985. Rendell also served as Chairman of the Democratic National Com - mittee during the 2000 Presidential election. He currently sits on several boards, is a Brookings Fellow and teaches government and politics courses at the University of Pennsylvania. Rendell recently finished his autobiography, A Nation of Wusses. It is scheduled to be released in early June. Advanced copies are available at: http://www.wiley.com/buy/1118279050 An Army veteran, he holds a B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania and a J.D. from Villanova Law School.
92. Reynolds, Robert

    U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs
    Director of Veterans Benefits Assistance Service
93. Richards, Terry

    Minority Business Development Agency
    Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs Specialist
94. Rinehart, Jen
    Vice President, After School Alliance
95. Sander, David

    City of Rancho Cordova
    Councilmember
96. Sawyer, Carolyn
    President / CEO
97. Sebelius, Kathleen

    Department of Health and Human Services
    Kathleen Sebelius was sworn in as the 21st Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on April 28, 2009. Since taking office, Secretary Sebelius has led ambitious efforts to improve America’s health and enhance the delivery of human services to some of the nation’s most vulnerable populations, including young children, those with disabilities, and the elderly. As part of the historic Affordable Care Act, Secretary Sebelius is implementing reforms that end many of the insurance industry’s worst abuses, and will help 34 million uninsured Americans get health coverage. Under the law, she is also carrying out policies that put a new focus on wellness and prevention, support the adoption of electronic medical records, and help recruit and train more primary care health providers. In addition, Secretary Sebelius is working closely with doctors, nurses, hospital leaders, employers, and patients to slow the growth in health care costs through better care and better health. And under her leadership, HHS has formed a historic partnership with the Department of Justice to stamp out health care fraud that has already returned record sums to the Medicare Trust Fund. Secretary Sebelius is committed to ensuring that America continues to lead the world in innovation. Under her leadership, HHS is promoting public-private collaboration to bring life-saving treatments and medicines to market. The Department is also working to build a 21st century food safety system that will prevent outbreaks before they occur. And it is collaborating with the Department of Education, to help states increase the quality of early childhood education programs, and give parents more information to make the best choices for their children. Secretary Sebelius also leads the nation’s emergency health response to crises and natural disasters, including the Haiti earthquake, the Gulf oil spill, and the Joplin, Missouri tornado. And as America’s top health official, she continues to work with our international partners to confront global health issues like polio, HIV/AIDS, and the growing costs of chronic disease around the world. Forbes has named Secretary Sebelius one of the 100 most powerful women in the world. Before her Cabinet appointment in April, 2009, she served as Governor of Kansas beginning in 2003, where she was named one of America’s Top Five Governors by Time Magazine. From 1995 to 2003 she served as Kansas Insurance Commissioner. She was a member of the Kansas House of Representatives from 1987 to 1995. Secretary Sebelius is the first daughter of a governor to be elected governor in American history; her father John Gilligan served as Ohio’s Governor from 1971-75. She holds a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Kansas and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Trinity Washington University. She is married to Gary Sebelius, a federal magistrate judge. They have two sons, John and Ned, and a daughter-in-law, Lisa.
98. Sesma, Michael

    City of Gaithersburg
    Council Vice President
99. Shane, Brendan

    District Department of the Environment
    Chief, Office of Policy and Sustainability
100. Shark, Alan

     Public Technology Institute
101. Singer, Audrey

     Brookings Institute
102. Slavin, Jeffrey

     Town of Somerset
103. Smith, Randall

     Warrior and Family Support Office of the Chairman
     Deputy Director
104. Spencer, Wendy

     Corporation for National and Community Service
105. Thomas, Chris

     CH2M HILL
     Vice President & Managing Director, US Government Affairs
106. Thompson, Charles
     Executive Director/General Counsel, IMLA
107. Thurmond, Craig

     City of Broken Arrow
     Mayor
108. Tobocman, Steve

     Global Detroit
109. Trevino, Tammye

     U.S. Department of Agriculture
     Administrator for Housing and Community Facilities Program
110. Turner, Stephanie

     General Services Administration
     Business Management Specialist
111. Van Slyke, David

     Syracuse University
     Professor
112. Vilsack, Tom

     U.S. Department of Agriculture
     Tom Vilsack serves as the nation's 30th Secretary of the Agriculture. As leader of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Vilsack is working hard to strengthen the American agricultural economy, build vibrant rural communities and create new markets for the tremendous innovation of rural America. In four years at the Department, Vilsack has worked to implement President Obama's agenda to put Americans back to work and create an economy built to last. USDA has supported America's farmers, ranchers and growers who are driving the rural economy forward, provided food assistance to millions of Americans, carried out record conservation efforts, made record investments in our rural communities and helped provide a safe, sufficient and nutritious food supply for the American people. As chair of the first-ever White House Rural Council, Secretary Vilsack and USDA are taking steps to strengthen services for rural businesses and entrepreneurs creating job opportunities - finding new ways to partner with other Federal agencies and the private sector to spur investment. USDA is promoting American agriculture by conducting cutting-edge research and improving markets at home and abroad. The years 2009-2012 represent the strongest four years in history for agricultural trade, and new trade agreements President Obama signed with Colombia, South Korea, and Panama will create even more export opportunities for American farmers and ranchers. Here at home, USDA has helped increase the number of farmers markets by 67 percent since 2008, and today there are more than 200 new regional food hubs to help connect farmers with broader regional markets. Vilsack knows that conserving natural resources is critical to the long-term strength of our economy. That is why USDA has enrolled a record number of private working lands in conservation programs and implemented new strategies - such as landscape-scale efforts - to restore our forests and clean our water supply. This work is creating private sector jobs protecting and rehabilitating our forests and wetlands, and providing increased opportunities for outdoor recreation. Under Vilsack's leadership, USDA has partnered with First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move initiative to improve the health and nutrition of America's children. He helped pass and implement the Healthy, Hunger Free Kids Act, enabling USDA to help combat child hunger and obesity by making the most significant improvements to school lunches in 30 years. He led a comprehensive effort to improve the safety of the American food supply, implementing changes to food safety standards to prevent illnesses by reducing the prevalence of E. coli, salmonella and campylobacter in our meat and poultry. He has made civil rights a top priority, reaching historic resolutions to all major past cases of discrimination brought against USDA by minority groups, and taking definitive action to move USDA into a new era as a model employer and premier service provider. Prior to his appointment, Vilsack served two terms as the Governor of Iowa, in the Iowa State Senate and as the mayor of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. A native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Vilsack was born into an orphanage and adopted in 1951. After graduating Hamilton College and Albany Law School, he moved to Mt. Pleasant, his wife Christie's hometown, where he practiced law. The Vilsacks have two adult sons and two daughters-in-law - Doug, married to Janet; and Jess, married to Kate. They also have two grandchildren.
113. Wasserman, Wendy

     U.S. Department of Agriculture
     Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food Specialists
114. Watts, J.C.

     J. C. Watts Companies
     J.C. Watts is the chairman of the J.C. Watts Companies, a multi-industry holding company headquartered in Washington, DC, with operations in Texas, Oklahoma, and South Korea. J.C. was elected to the U.S. Congress from the fourth district of Oklahoma in 1994. In 1998, he was elected by his peers to serve as chairman of the Republican Conference, the fourth-ranking leadership position in the majority party in the U.S. House of Representatives, and a position once held by Dick Cheney, Jack Kemp and Gerald Ford. In this capacity, J.C. provided daily counsel to the Speaker of the House, and participated in bi-weekly meetings with the President of the United States. As a Member of Congress representing the fourth district of Oklahoma, J.C. served for eight years on the House Armed Services Committee. He authored legislation to create, and then he later served on, the House Select Committee on Homeland Security. He also served on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, as well as the House Banking Committee. Full bio: http://www.wattsconsultinggroup.com/team/wcg-jcwatts.htm
115. Weingarten, Randi

     American Federation of Teachers
     President, AFT
116. Weiss, Kevin

     U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
     Chemical Engineer, Office of Water
117. Wiedt, Tracy

     National League of Cities
     Manager, Let's Move Cities, Towns and Counties!
118. Wilhelm, Anthony

     U.S. Department of Commerce, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, Broadband Technology Opportunities Program
     Director
119. Wollack, Leslie

     National League of Cities
     Legislative Counsel
120. Wyant, Monica

     U.S. Department of Agriculture
121. Yezak, Jennifer

     U.S. Department of Agriculture
122. Yousefi, Mandana

     U.S. Department of Agriculture
     Program Analyst
123. Zajonc, Donna

     Bainbridge Leadership Center
     Donna began her career as a community mental health nurse in Oregon. Later, she was the sole owner and CEO of her multi-store food retail company in Portland, Oregon. Donna soon parleyed her love of community and leadership into a career in elected office, having served three terms in the Oregon Legislature. She was her party’s nominee for Secretary of State and served on numerous policy committees such as vice-chair of the state Trade and Economic Committee and chaired the Governor’s Commission on Mental Health. Her book, The Politics of Hope: Reviving the Dream of Democracy is a primer on the new leadership attributes crucial for success during these chaotic times. Donna has been an executive coach and leadership development consultant for ten years, coaching public leaders who serve as city councilors, mayors, county commissioners and state legislators as well as business leaders. Donna also has had the privilege of working with women in Cuenca, Ecuador and Tunis, Tunisia, who aspire to become public leaders. She is a keynote speaker and seminar leader focusing on developing collaborative leadership skills.