Mayors Discuss Ways To Promote Urban Economic Growth At Conference

A prominent topic of discussion at the U.S. Conference of Mayors in Dallas, Texas was economic growth in cities, and how state and the federal governments can help.

Racine Mayor John Dickert said an economic report commissioned by the U.S. Conference of Mayors shows a 3 percent growth in cities compared to more rural areas. He said that growth is generated by businesses, which rely on good roads, sewers and other infrastructure.

“The economic report that just came out showed that cities are where the jobs are growing and where the economy is growing, so what we’re hoping is that the state houses and Washington look at this,” said Dickert. “If we know this is working we should be helping.”

Dickert said cities need more efficient transportation for both people and products.

“The fact is, we’re building a system that’s from the 1950s and this is the 21st Century,” said Dickert. “The future generation of workers, they don’t want the current system. They want bikes, they want to be on their iPhone or their iPad, which means they want to be on a bus or a train when they’re moving.”

At their conference, mayors vote on policy resolutions and send them to the nation’s capital in hopes of influencing federal legislation on issues like transportation, education and the minimum wage.