N.C. Metropolitan Mayors Coalition Begins Work on 2011 Advocacy Agenda
Mayors focus on crime, transportation, biotechnology and local revenues
September 24, 2010
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – The N.C. Metropolitan Mayors Coalition met Thursday and Friday in Asheville to begin building their advocacy agenda for the 2011 General Assembly Session. The adopted agenda is focused on crime, transportation, biotechnology and local revenues. Specifically, the Mayors will work to:
o Defend against attempts to shift state responsibilities to local governments and protect local revenues
o Support the needs of the Justice System
o Support efforts to reduce gang violence
o Support efforts to advance North Carolina’s biotech industry and grow related jobs
o Preserve local government ability to engage and lead in communication public enterprises
o Support adding more revenues to the Mobility Fund and set asides for expanding Powell Bill with a new allocation
based on lane miles and a set aside for Interstate Maintenance
o Defend existing statutory roadway responsibilities between the State and local government
o Continue to improve the relationship between the N.C. Department of Transportation and local government
During the meeting the Metro Mayors had the opportunity to hear from special guests Lieutenant Governor Walter Dalton, N.C. State Treasurer Janet Cowell, and Jim Trogdon, Chief Operating Officer for N.C. DOT. Wilmington Mayor Bill Saffo led a best practices session entitled, “Keys to successful working relationships between cities and N.C. Department of Transportation Division Offices.”
The North Carolina Metropolitan Mayors Coalition, a group of mayors committed to the growth of North Carolina’s cities, deals with national and state issues affecting local governments. Founded in 2001, the Coalition promotes the interchange of ideas and experiences among municipal officials for the continued development of urban areas.
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