U.S. Mayors Push For Infrastructure Task Force

The U.S. Conference of Mayors has formed a task force on infrastructure aimed at working with President Trump and Congress to develop and pass a major infrastructure package. 

The Task Force on Infrastructure will be chaired by Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, who was appointed by USCM’s president, Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett.

“Mayor Garcetti leads a city that has been at the forefront of so many infrastructure initiatives from a massive build out of the city and region's transit system, smart and connected lighting, an accelerated deployment of renewable energy technologies, and substantial port and freight improvements, among others,” said Cornett. “I am pleased to welcome him to this post."

The task force will work with the leadership in Washington to guide the passage of an infrastructure package. It will be comprised of mayors interested in various infrastructure sectors, including transportation, water, ports, energy, broadband and other priorities.

USCM has been actively engaged in infrastructure reform since the election and the organization’s top four officers along with CEO and executive director Tom Cochran met with then President-elect Trump on Dec. 15 to discuss issues related to infrastructure.  In January, Vice President Pence attended USCM’s Winter Meeting and explained plans the president has to deliver a major infrastructure investment for the country.

Recently, the group met with top infrastructure leaders, including Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chair Bill Shuster, House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Ranking Member Peter DeFazio, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, and many others.

“The path to economic prosperity runs through our investments in America’s infrastructure,” said Garcetti. “That means upgrading our roads and rail systems, modernizing our airports and ports of entry to better compete on the global stage, strengthening our water systems, and creating partnerships in telecommunications to better connect our communities.”