2009 Congressional City Conference: General Session & Workshops

Monday, March 16

Morning Mini-Plenary Sessions

Looking for a Growth Industry? Think Green
10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Washington 3 & 4

What does it mean to be green and sustainable? How can your community get in on the ground floor of the new “green economy?” This session will explore the strategies you can use to go green, especially in these tight economic when you are looking to create new jobs. The panel will also discuss the savings that can be obtained from sustainability practices, and how focusing on a healthier environment can re-energize communities and help foster neighborhood livability and community character.

Moderator:
Claude Mattox, Council Member, Phoenix, Arizona;Chair, NLC Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Steering Committee

Speakers:
James Corless, Campaign Director, Transportation for America Campaign, Washington, DC
Richard Moe, President, National Trust for Historic Preservation, Washington, DC

Handouts:
Transportation for America Brochure

Neighborhood Triage: Overcoming Economic Setbacks
10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Marriott Ballroom

Local leaders have invested billions of federal, state, and local funds in successful neighborhood revitalization projects. Now, in neighborhoods across the country, the foreclosure crisis and economic downturn are threatening to undo the gains bought by those investments. This panel will focus on immediate steps cities can take to maintain vital services and programs in their neighborhoods while economic recovery efforts get under way. Panelists will discuss neighborhood stability from the perspectives of housing and economic development, public safety, and meeting social challenges.

Speakers:

Chris Coleman, Mayor, St. Paul, Minnesota
Dennis E. Greenhouse, Director of the Community Capacity Development Office, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC

New Administration, New Beginnings: Federal Initiatives for Children and Families
10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Lincoln 5 & 6

The domestic policy agenda for both the White House and Congress includes significant new investments in – and policy changes for – our nation’s children and families. The expanded funding for education, child care, and support for working families through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, and the reauthorization of a more comprehensive State Children’s Health Insurance Program, lay the groundwork for even more sweeping reforms down the road. Join national experts for a lively discussion of new and proposed federal initiatives related to education, poverty, youth development and health reform.

Monday Afternoon Workshops

Access for America: The Future of Broadband
1:45 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. Lincoln 2

The Obama Administration entered office with a pledge to increase access to the internet for all Americans. With the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, Congress helped lay the groundwork, demanding a national broadband plan and pouring billions of dollars into broadband for underserved areas. The panel will talk about internet access and its future as a cornerstone of development and growth for America on issues ranging from healthcare to job training.

Speakers:
Tillman L. Lay, Esq. – Partner, Spiegel & McDiarmid LLP, Washington, DC
Graham Richard, Former Mayor of Fort Wayne Washington, Graham Richard Associates LLC

Handouts:
Broad Band Related Provisions

The Freight Debate: Where is Federal Legislation Headed?
1:45 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. Lincoln 5

Freight transportation is the backbone of our national, regional and local economies. But is our transportation network up to the challenges that lie ahead? What help might be coming from proposed legislation and the transportation authorization offer to move goods without disproportionately impacting local communities and the environment? Hear from freight experts on policy goals and recommendations for the next transportation bill to be placed before Congress.

Moderator:
Pam O’Connor, Mayor Pro Tem, Santa Monica, California

Speakers:
Mort Downey, Chair, Coalition for America’s Gateway and Trade Corridors, Washington, DC
Dabney Hegg, Senior Democratic Profesional Staff, Senate Subcommittee on Surfance Transportationa nd Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety and Security, Washington, DC
Susan Monteverde, Vice President of Government Relations, American Association of Port Authorities, Washington, DC

Hitting Beyond the Beltway: Federal Regulations That Will Affect City Workers
1:45 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. Washington 3 & 4

Every year, Congress, the Administration and the courts pass and interpret laws and issue regulations that impact cities and their workers. In its final months, the Bush Administration issued new regulations governing the Fair Labor Standards Act and the Family and Medical Leave Act. The 110th Congress passed a number of laws that directly affect public pensions and other benefits, and the courts have stepped in when there is conflict between public-sector employers and employees. This year the Congress is likely to consider a number of collective bargaining and benefits laws that will impact city workers. Learn from a panel of experts what Congress, the Administration and the courts are likely to do that will impact cities and their workers.

Speakers:
Christina Chiappetta, Senior Director of Government Affairs and Communication, International Public Management Associate for Human Resources, Alexandria, Virginia
Josh Ulman, President and CEO, Ulman Associates, Fairfax, Virginia

The Housing Comeback: Speeding Your City’s Recovery
1:45 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. Lincoln 3 & 4

Within a span of six months, the federal government has enacted three landmark efforts to help struggling homeowners, increase the availability of affordable housing, and end the foreclosure crisis. The Housing and Economic Recovery Act, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, and the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan all provide new funding and tools that state and local governments, nonprofit partners, and consumers can use to overcome housing challenges. Panelists will discuss housing programs available to local governments including the Neighborhood Stabilization Program.

Making a Clean Break: New Approaches to Energy and Transportation
1:45 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. Washington 5 & 6

The upcoming Congressional debates on climate change legislation and transportation authorization will mean exciting new opportunities for cities. By turning to renewable energy sources, encouraging energy efficiency and conservation, and supporting a multimodal transportation system — including safe places to walk and bike — cities can create healthier communities in which people can live, work and play. This workshop will focus on federal policies and local strategies to improve the quality of life, boost the economy and protect the environment.

Moderator:
Matt Zone, Council Member, Cleveland, Ohio,

Speakers:
Ilana Pruess, Outreach and Field Director, Transportation for America, Washington, DC
James Warner, Congressional Affairs Fellow, Pew Center on Global Climate Change, Arlington, VA
Darleen Reveille, Garfield Health Department, Garfield New Jersey

Handouts:
Transportation for America Brochure
Making a Clean Break_Garfield Fun Program
Making a Clean Break_Garfield Community Mapping
Making a Clean Break_Garfield Healthy Community Development
Making a Clean Break_SRTS
Making a Clean Break_Transportation For America

New Perspectives on Youth Violence
1:45 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. Lincoln 6

Armed with new knowledge and data, cities and towns across the country are developing unique, locally tailored solutions to the age-old problem of disconnected youth and violent crime. Our panelists, who are at the forefront of devising and implementing bold new solutions, will share some inspiring successes, lessons they have learned, and strategies for obtaining and optimizing federal and state support for local programs.

Moderator:
Leon Andrews, Director of Youth Development, NLC Institute for Youth, Education and Families, Washington, DC

Speakers:
Gary Slutkin, M.D., Executive Director, Chicago Project for Violence Prevention, Professor, Epidemiology and International Health, University of Illinois School of Public Health

Now Hear This: Successful Strategies for Communicating with Your Member of Congress
1:45 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. Washington 1 & 2

Local elected officials are in a unique position to make their voices heard with members of Congress and create meaningful dialogue with those who represent a community’s interests at the federal level. Learn effective strategies for gaining the attention of and persuading members of Congress — from the power of the personal phone call to the significance of sharing compelling stories about how and why a federal program helps America’s hometowns and provides long-lasting benefits to our communities.

Moderator and Speaker:
Joseph Curtatone, Mayor, Somerville, Massachusetts; NLC Board of Directors

Speakers:
John Thomas, Director, Policy and Political Affairs, Florida League of Cities, Tallahassee, Florida
Frank Shafroth, Chief of Staff, Congressman Jim Moran, United States House of Representatives, Washington, DC

Back to Work: New Funding for Training and Summer Jobs
10:30 a.m. – Noon Lincoln 3 & 4

The economic downturn has limited the workforce opportunities for many city residents, but mayors and city officials now have a historic opportunity to use local partnerships to leverage $4 billion in new funds for job training included in the economic stimulus legislation. A panel of experts will discuss emerging opportunities related to workforce development, summer and year-round jobs for youth, and programs for dislocated workers, as well as innovative new approaches to job-training assistance that are on the horizon.

Moderator:
Neil Bomberg, Principal Legislative Counsel, National League of Cities, Washington, DC

Speakers:
Mary Gardner Clagett, Deputy Director of Policy, National Center on Education and the Economy, Washington, DC
Gerri Fiala, Staff Director, Subcommittee on Employment and Workspace Safety, U.S. Senate, Washington, DC
Eric Garcetti, President, Losa Angeles City Council, California
Ray Uhalde, Senior Advisory to the Secretary, U.S. Department of Labor, Washington, DCM

Connecting Transportation Goals and Transportation Dollars
10:30 a.m. – Noon Lincoln 5

This year Congress will spend hours debating the future of our nation’s surface transportation program. This panel will explore the local role in this critical discussion and key steps local officials can take to ensure that all transportation dollars received are spent wisely; that they are used to support optimum mobility and economic development; and that they contain built-in flexibility to match solutions with local goals.

Moderator:
David Sander, Council Member, Rancho Cordova, California

Speaker:
Kerry E. O'Hare, Senior Policy Advisor, Building America's Future, Washington, DC

An Energy Boost for Your City: New Block Grants and Tax Credits
10:30 a.m. – Noon Lincoln 6

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provides several new energy-related resources that can help cities and towns unlock new sources of capital, spur economic development in a sustainable manner, and assist local government efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Learn how to apply for funding from the Energy Efficiency and Conversation Block Grant, how your community can take advantage of various renewable energy tax provisions and bonds and why your community should consider updating its energy code.

Moderator:
Henrietta Davis, Councilor, Cambridge, Massachusetts, Vice-Chair, NLC Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Steering Committee

Speakers:
Gil Sperling, Program Manager, Office of Weatherization and Intergovernmental Program, U.S. Department of Energy, Washington, DC
Lowell Unger, Director of Policy, Alliance to Save Energy, Washington, DC
Robin Snyder, Program Director, Building Codes Assistance Project, Washington, DC

Handouts:
An Energy Boost for Your City_BCAP Energy Codes for Buildings
An Energy Boost for Your City_Tax+bond presentation

Health Insurance for All: Can This Prescription Be Filled?
10:30 a.m. – Noon Washington 1 & 2

Since 1948, during the Truman presidency, Americans have attempted to address the need for access to quality health care for everyone, regardless of employment status or income. Despite all efforts, tens of millions of Americans continue to have inadequate insurance coverage, or none at all. During the last election, both Democratic and Republican candidates advanced the idea of "health insurance for all Americans,” and it has become a moral and economic imperative. Learn from a panel of experts about the strategies that are being proposed to make universal health care a reality at last, along with each strategy’s likely reforms and impacts.

Moderator:
Katie Seeger, Policy Analyst, National League of Cities, Washington, DC

Speakers:
Mitch Katz, M.D., Director, Department of Health, City and County of San Francisco, California
David Schwartz, Professional Staff, Committee on Finance, U.S. Senate, Washington, DC

Keeping Public Safety Up When the Economy Goes Down
10:30 a.m. – Noon Washington 3 & 4

Abandoned homes, economic recession and cuts in public safety programs and personnel are a dangerous combination that increases the risk to the security of our communities. Learn from the experts about federal resources for your city that can ensure local and national economic woes don't lead to more crime in your area. Panelists will focus on innovative approaches to policing and other federal support available from the stimulus bill to keep citizens and property safe during the economic downturn.

Speakers:
Timothy J. Quinn, Acting Director, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC
Chuck Wexler, Executive Director, Police Executive Research Forum, Washington, DC
Laurie O. Robinson, Acting Attorney General, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC

Gaining Access to Affordable Credit for Your Community
10:30 a.m. – Noon Washington 5 & 6

Serious disruptions in the municipal bond market have affected the ability of cities to finance infrastructure and meet other capital financing needs, while increasing the cost of existing variable debt. This session will present a market overview and discuss public and private solutions to get the money flowing again. Topics will include NLC’s Blue Ribbon Commission on Municipal Credit Enhancement, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and other remedies to improve market access and reduce municipal borrowing costs.

Moderator:
Diana Cordray City Clerk/Treasurer, City of Carmel, Indiana; Chair, NLC Finance, Administration and Intergovernmental Relations Steering Committee

Speakers:
Michael Decker, Co-Chief Executive Officer, Regional Bond Dealers Association, Alexandria, VA
James Segel, Special Counsel to the Chairman, U.S. House of Representatives Financial Services Committee, Washington, DC
Catherine Spain, Director, Center for Member Programs, National League of Cities, Washington, DC

The Word from the Bench: Legal Updates for Municipalities
10:30 a.m. – Noon Lincoln 2

During the past year, the US Supreme Court, federal and state courts have decided a number of cases of importance to local governments. The scope of immunity for public officials, state and federal preemption of local authority, ADA access, zoning and land use are just some of the issues at stake. This workshop will review recent court decisions and offer a preview of pending cases and their potential consequences for local governments.

Moderator:
Don Moler, Esq., Executive Director, League of Kansas Municipalities, Chair, NLC Legal Advisory Committee

Speakers:
Richard Ruda, Esq., Chief Counsel, State & Local Legal Center, Washington, DC|
Charles W. Thompson, Jr., Esq., Executive Director, International Municipal Lawyers Association, Bethesda, Maryland

Focus on Prevention: Smarter Spending for Stronger Communities
1:45 p.m. -3:15 p.m. Lincoln 5

In these difficult economic times, local officials are working harder than ever to make sure that each dollar in the city budget is spent wisely to meet their community’s current and future needs. One way to ensure that budget cuts don’t result in higher future costs is to focus on prevention. This workshop offers perspectives on making tough choices and provides examples of proven programs that turn investments in the positive development of children and youth into long-term savings.

Speakers:
Joan Foster, Mayor, Lynchburg, Virginia
Margarita Muniz, Deputy Mayor of Neighborhood Engagement, Newark, New Jersey

Helping Struggling Families and Local Economies During Tough Economic Times
1:45 p.m. -3:15 p.m. Lincoln 6

When city budgets dwindle, what can municipal leaders do to help families and individuals weather the tough economic times? The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act features a number of programs that will benefit individuals and families in financial difficulty: expanded unemployment insurance, food stamps, tax credits, health care and other programs. By promoting access to public benefits, cities can increase stability for families and neighborhoods and bring new money into the local economy as families access state or federal benefits. Learn from a panel of experts about the kinds of programs that are available to your residents, and how to access those programs.

Moderator:
Heidi Goldberg, Program Director, National League of Cities, Institute for Youth, Education, and Families, Washington, DC

Speakers:
Donna Cohen Ross, Outreach Director, Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, Washington, DC
Johnny Dupree, Mayor, Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Eliza Greenberg, Commissioner, Elderly Affairs, City of Boston, Boston, Massachusetts

Infrastructure Investment: Getting Public Dollars into Your Community
1:45 p.m. -3:15 p.m. Lincoln 3 & 4

Public infrastructure investment not only creates jobs but generates a healthy multiplier effect throughout the economy by creating demand for materials and services. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provides nearly $38 billion to modernize roads, bridges and transit systems, along with $18 billion for clean water, flood control and environmental restoration. Find out what your community needs to know to access this critical infrastructure funding and the new accountability rules that will accompany it.

Moderator:
Dan Besse, Council Member, Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Speakers:
Sheila Frace, Director, Municipal Support Division, Office of Wastewater Management, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC
Harland Miller, Federal Highway Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation, Washington, DC

Handouts:
Infrastructure Investment _ SRF

Neighborhood Triage: Overcoming Economic Setbacks
1:45 p.m. -3:15 p.m. Washington 1 & 2

Local leaders have invested billions of federal, state, and local funds in successful neighborhood revitalization projects. Now, in neighborhoods across the country, the foreclosure crisis and economic downturn are threatening to undo the gains bought by those investments. This panel will focus on immediate steps cities can take to maintain vital services and programs in their neighborhoods while economic recovery efforts get under way. Panelists will discuss neighborhood stability from the perspectives of housing and economic development, public safety, and meeting social challenges.

Speakers:
Dennis e. Greenhouse, Director of the Community Capacity Development Office, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC

No TV Left Behind: How to Maximize Outreach During the Four Month DTV Extension
1:45 p.m. -3:15 p.m. Lincoln 2

The DTV Delay Act of 2009 pushed February’s digital television transition back to June 12, 2009. Learn what the bill provides in terms of extending coupon expiration dates and the availability of new coupons. Also learn how federal and local governments are working with community groups to reach out to the nearly 6 million households who are still unprepared for the transition.

Moderator and Speaker:
Steve Peterson, Councilmember, Bloomington, Minnesota; Chair, NLC Information Technology and Communications Steering Committee

Speakers:
Thomas Wyatt, Deputy Chief, Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, Washington, DC
Erica Swanson, Deputy Director for Field Operations, Leadership Conference on Civil Rights, Washington, DC
Eric E. Richardson, Director, Office of Cable Television, Government of the District of Columbia, Washington, DC

Smart Growth: Planning More Livable Communities
1:45 p.m. -3:15 p.m. Washington 3 & 4

Smart planning choices help create communities that promote social connections, encourage healthful lifestyles, and create vibrant downtown environments. This workshop will discuss smart growth techniques, including “complete streets” policies that enable safe access for all users, farmers’ markets that provide locally sourced healthful food choices and multimodal transportation options that encourage environmentally sustainable economic development.

Moderator:
Steve Elkins, Council Member, Bloomington, Minnesota

Speakers:
Stephanie Potts, Federal Policy Coordinator, Complete Streets, Washington, DC
Caroline Decker, Assistant Vice President for Government and Communications, Amtrak, Washington, DC
Jennifer McTiernan, Executive Director, CitySeed, Inc., New Haven, Connecticut