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NEWS SECTIONS: World news | Election news | News from Europe | News from North America | News from Latin America | News from Asia and Australia | News from Africa | Urban events | NEWS SPECIALS: Local elections in England & Wales 2008 | London elections 2008 | Latest news story | London and Glasgow terrorist attacks 2007 |New Orleans is still below
pre-Katrina population level
New Orleans, 3 July 2009: The population of New Orleans grew 8.2 per cent in 2008, faster than any other large city in the US, according to population estimates released by the Census Bureau. As of 1 July 2008, the population of New Orleans was 311,853, up from 210,768 in 2006 following Hurricane Katrina but still below the pre-hurricane level of 484,674 based on the 2000 Census. Round Rock, Texas, a city north of Austin, was the second fastest-growing city (8.16 per cent) in the US from 2007 to 2008.
All in all, four of the 10 fastest-growing large US cities were in Texas, including McKinney (north of Dallas, ranking fifth), Killeen (north of Austin, ninth) and Fort Worth (10th). North Carolina had a pair of cities in the top 10 fastest growing — Cary (west of Raleigh, third) and Raleigh (eighth) — as did California (Roseville, north of Sacramento, which ranked sixth and Irvine, in Orange County, seventh). Fourth-place Gilbert, Ariz., completed the list.
New York led the nation’s cities in numerical increase during the 2007-2008 period, adding more than 53,000 residents. New Orleans had the seventh largest numerical growth. Four Texas cities were among the 10 largest numerical gainers: Houston (third), San Antonio (fifth), Fort Worth (sixth) and Austin (ninth). Two California cities — Los Angeles (fourth) and San Diego (10th) — made the top 10, as did second-ranked Phoenix. Rounding out the list was eighth-ranked Chicago, which experienced its second straight year of population increase after five consecutive years of decline.
New York continued to be the nation’s most populous city, with 8.4 million residents. This was more than twice the population of Los Angeles, which ranked second at 3.8 million. Chicago, with 2.9 million, was third, followed by Houston (2.2 million) and Phoenix (1.6 million).
Memphis mayor resigns
to prepare for Congress
27 June 2009: Memphis Mayor Willie Herenton told a crowded press conference that he would step down on 11 July to prepare for a campaign to win a seat in the US House of Representatives. He told reporters that the job as mayor was becoming too much of a routine. “I lost my zeal. I’m the kind of guy who’s got to climb mountains,” he said.
Mayor Herenton’s announcement did not come totally unexpected. In fact, some 12 months ago he declared his wish to resign to serve again as school superintendent. The job was vacant at the time, but the Memphis school board was not interested and Herenton stayed on in City Hall. The Mayor was first elected in 1991 when he beat the incumbent by a mere 142 votes but he was re-elcted with large majorities in 1995, 1999 and 2003. In 2007, he won more than 40 per cent of the vote in a crowded field of challengers.
When Herenton was long-listed for the 2008 World Mayor Prize, opponents of the mayor protested against his inclusion, pointing out that he was under federal investigation into business dealings involving some city centre properties. However, there have been no indictments and the mayor described himself as a victim accusing some journalists of being obsessed with the story.
The Mayor also said he was proud of his achievements for Memphis. “I am most proud of the fact that during my tenure as mayor, the city of Memphis has grown and prospered for all of its citizens. I will leave behind a much better and stronger city government than I inherited,” he emphasised.
Los Angeles Mayor will not
run for Californian Governor
Los Angeles, 24 June 2009: Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa has ruled himself out of running for Governor of California, saying now was the time to focus on his city's spiralling unemployment rate and budget deficit. Mentioning LA’s 12.5 per cent unemployment rate and US$530 million budget deficit, he said on TV: "I can't leave this city in the middle of a crisis." Villaraigosa’s decision makes San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom odds-on favourite for the Democratic nomination. The primaries will be held in June 2010. So far there is no confirmed Republican candidate for the job, which is currently held by Arnold Schwarzenegger. Schwarzenegger, a moderate Republican, will have to step down at the end of next year.
Mayor Villaraigosa’s announcement has been generally welcomed by Californian newspapers: “Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa made the right decision to focus on his second term at our city’s helm rather than run for governor of California. Voters re-elected him precisely so he would devote his attention to the city and current problems demand leadership without distractions.”
However, there will be some disappointment among many Latino voters who dreamt that Villaraigosa could make history as California’s first Mexican-American governor. “Not so much because of him, but because of the unique opportunity that seemed to appear on the horizon.”
Nine people reported dead
in Washington train crash
23 June 2009: At least nine people have been killed and about 70 injured in a collision of two subway trains during yesterday’s late afternoon rush hour in Washington DC. Two Metro trains collided just before peak rush hour crowds. The crash occurred on the Red Line between Takoma and Fort Totten. The train in the rear actually mounted the rear of the front train. Washington's Mayor Adrian Fenty says the casualty toll would make the accident the deadliest in the history of Washington's public subway system.
Metro's general manager John Catoe said this type of crash was rare. He suggested at least one of the trains was operating automatically. The train that caused the crash is one of the oldest types run on the system. Catoe also confirmed that one of the nine people killed was the train driver.
Attorney Wayne Parsons adds: “For those who travel to Washington, DC and its environs, the Metro is a major pleasure. However criticism of its safety record has been mounting as the number of derailments and crashes mount. For instance a 2004 crash occurred because officials concluded that the Metro operator was asleep as the train rolled backward for 78 seconds and slammed into another train in the Woodley Park station, injuring 20 people and causing $3.5 million in damage.”
US mayors demand a greater
share of federal aid package
Providence, 18 June 2009: America’s city mayors, who met for their annual conference in Providence, Rhode Island, complained that their cities had not received their fair share of the economic stimulus money announced by the US government. A spokesman for the US Conference of Mayors (USCM) said metropolitan areas, had received significantly less than they deserved given their dominant role in the national economy. In a report, the USCM writes: “State governments have approved $18.62 billion worth of transportation projects, but the nation’s largest 85 metro account for just under half, or $8.8 billion, of those funds.”
The mayors’ organisation pointed out that metro areas represented 73 per cent of the US GDP and 63 per cent of the country’s population. “We should have received a bigger share of the federal stimulus money by now.”
The report also warns that that metro-area unemployment will exceed 10 per cent next year and that 85 per cent of job losses during the recession will occur in the 363 metro areas. Dallas Mayor Thomas Leppert told the annual conference that cities were spending federal funds very efficiently and effectively
Scott Smith, Mayor of Meza, said that his city of 453,000 people had received one-third of the money allocated to Arizona even though the metro area accounts for three-quarters of the gross state product. Miami Mayor Manny Diaz, added: “The US economy will only recover when our metro areas recover.”
However, criticism of the way the Obama administration distributed federal aid was not supported by all mayors. Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter told his peers: “Look, we’ve never had $787 billion in federal spending in the history of the nation. We’ve got to be focused on doing the best we can, and that means doing a little more work and a little less complaining.”
US mayors annoyed
with Barack Obama
Providence, 17 June 2009: US President Obama has upset some of America’s most influential city mayors by not speaking at their annual conference in Providence, Rhode Island. The President as well as Vice-President Biden declined invitations to the 2009 US Conference of Mayors (USCM) annual meeting, arguing they were honouring a picket line of local fire fighters, who are involved in a labour dispute with the city. A number of mayors called the White House’s decision a snub of local government. Miami Lakes Mayor Michael Pizzi called it a horrible decision. “No matter where Obama goes, no matter what city you go to in the United States, you’re going to have some union that’s having problems,” the mayor said.
Outgoing USCM President and Miami Mayor Manny Diaz suggested the Obama administration was unwilling to make the kind of tough political choices that mayors must make every day. The mayor, who supported Obama in 2008 said: ““We have no choice. None of us in this room are insulated from the economic challenges faced by the city of Providence. This will not be the last time this administration will be asked to make a similar choice.”
Mayor Diaz continued to warn the President that the administration was setting a very dangerous precedent. “Our president has called on all Americans to sacrifice. Mayors have sacrificed before, and we will do it again. But we must not be asked to bear this burden alone. Sacrifice often means doing things that we don’t want to do; doing things we don’t like to do; doing things that keep us all up at night,” he added.
Separately, the 2009 USCM annual meeting elected Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels as the organisation’s new president.
Canadian mayors are still
waiting for promised funds
Toronto, 6 June 2009: While applauding the government for putting Can$12 billion on the table for infrastructure spending as part of a $40-billion economic stimulus package, mayors from Canada’s 22 biggest cities said no money had yet reached their communities. "Our shovels are ready and we're simply waiting for the money," Kitchener Mayor Carl Zehr said at a news conference in Whistler, British Columbia, where big city mayors met on the first day of the annual meeting of the Canadian Federation of Canadian Municipalities.
Mayor Zehr pointed out that when the money was announced earlier this year. “The government said it was to provide timely economic stimulus by creating jobs across Canada in the construction, engineering and manufacturing sectors as well as generating significant economic spinoff activity. It simply hasn't happened so far and the construction season is virtually lost," said Zehr.
Regina Mayor Pat Fiacco told delegates that his city has had to go ahead with planning and public tenders without any government funds. "In order to get the work started on time, we've gone ahead and have had tenders out there but we've had to add a line to those tenders that this is based on money flowing in a timely manner, even though we've had a number of projects approved," he said.
San Antonio mayor-elect
puts stress on new jobs
San Antonio, 11 May 2009: Against all predictions, San Antonio (Texas) elected a new mayor in the first round of voting. The winner, Julian Castro, won 56 per cent of the vote. Because of the crowded field of nine candidates a run-off was expected. Castro, a lawyer by profession, narrowly lost the 2005 run-off against outgoing Mayor Phil Hardberger, who could not seek re-election because of term limits. In his victory speech the mayor-elect stressed the need to create new jobs in San Antonio. "I want the city to continue being the example of what a big city can be — creating jobs so that every single San Antonian has the opportunity to pursue his career choice here and not have to go somewhere else," he said.
Elsewhere in Texas, the mayors of Fort Worth, Arlington and El Paso were all re-elected. Fort Worth Mayor Mike Moncrief won convincingly with 70 per cent of the vote, despite concern about City Hall’s plans to allow urban gas drilling. Arlington’s mayor Robert Cluck benefited from his success in attracting the upcoming Super Bowl to the city. El Paso Mayor John Cook beat five challengers by winning the support of more than 60 per cent of voters.
US mayors happy with
Obama’s first 100 days
Washington DC, 8 May 2009: The US Conference of Mayors, a national group representing more than 1,200 medium- to big-city mayors, used the occasion of President Barack Obama's 100th day in office last week to praise the administration's efforts to make urban centers the springboard for the nation's economic recovery. A statement issued by the organisation said it was encouraged by the Obama administration's intense focus on urban issues during his first 100 days in office. It's a focus the city mayors say they haven't seen for a long time.
It has come in a quick succession of White House initiatives, from the newly created Office of Urban Affairs to affordable housing programs. The Conference of Mayors' chief executive, Tom Cochran, says the president has made rapid strides over the past three months.
"He has passed children's insurance legislation. We have a stimulus package, tax relief for middle income. We are talking about immigration reform. We are talking about health care. And it seems that we have done so much in these 100 days," Cochran says. "The fact of the matter is, the economic situation has come together with a new president who is thinking differently and we look at the 100 days really as a beginning, not as an end."
Cochran praises what he calls the "excellent communications" mayors have enjoyed with the Obama White House, and he cites President Obama's willingness to listen to what mayors have had to say about the problems besetting many US cities. Cochran says White House urban policies in these first 100 days have been very much in line with the goals of the nations' mayors.
"We have a common goal with the new president of creating and saving three million jobs by the year 2011, so we will be working very closely with the secretaries of labor and transportation and others to do what we can to put people back to work."
Cochran says the close cooperation between the White House and the U.S. Conference of Mayors is also helping to speed progress toward making cities more energy efficient - a major item on President Obama's agenda. Cochran says one example of that progress is that billions of dollars have already been slated for so-called block grants of federal aid to make cities more energy-efficient.
"The infusion of billions of dollars, for example, in energy block grants. There will be $2.8 billion of block grants going into cities. The purpose here is to retrofit homes and buildings and to change our traffic systems, all kinds of solar innovations for a city to do what it needs to do to provide efficient energy and also create jobs at the same time."
Cochran adds that America's big-city mayors also welcome the Obama administration's focus on climate change and its willingness to join international efforts under the 12-year-old Kyoto Protocol to reduce urban industrial emissions.
"The new president is very concerned about global warming and climate protection and energy conservation. And we have 950 cities that have signed on the US Conference of Mayors Climate Protection Center and it was created after Kyoto, and we will be working with the president as we move forward to do what we must do in this country on climate protection, but also to support him to engage the rest of the world to save our planet."
Cochran says the nation's mayors also are eager to respond to President Obama's recent call to modernize their public transportation systems, not only to conserve energy but also to help move urban and suburban workers more easily to and from their jobs - wherever they are. (Report by Mohamed Elshinnawi, VoA)
Six steps to a
greener NYC
New York City, 3 May 2009: New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced a package of legislation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from existing government, commercial, and residential buildings. A six-point plan, if implemented, would dramatically reduce the City’s energy usage and save consumers money, while simultaneously creating thousands of well-paying jobs and significantly reducing New York City’s carbon footprint. The plan consists of four pieces of new legislation and two PlaNYC programs that will achieve carbon reductions, train workers for the estimated 19,000 construction jobs which will be created and help finance energy-saving improvements using US$16 million available from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The plan will also result in cleaner air, since emissions from boilers, furnaces, and local power plants will also be reduced.
“We’re introducing the greener, greater buildings plan, a far-reaching package of new local laws that will dramatically improve New York’s energy efficiency and reduce energy costs by some three-quarters of a billion dollars a year,” said Mayor Bloomberg.
The reductions will be achieved through the six-point green buildings plan:
• Legislation that creates a New York City Energy Code that existing buildings will have to meet whenever they make renovations;
• Legislation that requires buildings of 50,000 square feet or more to conduct an energy audit once every ten years and make any improvements that pay for themselves within five years;
• Legislation that requires commercial buildings of 50,000 square feet or more to upgrade their lighting to more energy-efficient systems that pay for themselves through energy savings;
• Legislation that requires buildings of 50,000 square feet or more to make an annual benchmark analysis of energy consumption so building owners can better understand what steps they can take to increase efficiency;
• A jobs program that will work with the real estate and construction industries to train the workforce that will fill the estimated 19,000 construction jobs the legislation will create; and
• An innovative financing program that uses Federal stimulus money to provide loans for property owners to pay the upfront costs for the efficiency upgrades that eventually pay for themselves.
Canadian cities opposed
to use of bottled water
Toronto, 10 March 2009: Canada’s national municipal organisation is encouraging local governments to reduce the use of bottled water in their own facilities where other options are available. The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) passed a resolution encouraging municipalities to phase out the sale and purchase of bottled water at their own facilities where appropriate and where potable water is available. “Today’s action is another illustration of how municipalities are leading by example to encourage environmentally sustainable water choices,” said FCM president Jean Perrault, mayor of Sherbrooke, Quebec.
The resolution does not call for a ban on the sale of bottled water to consumers. “Regulating bottled water for public consumption falls under provincial and federal jurisdiction,” said Perrault. “All orders of government must work together to reduce reliance on a product that produces more waste, costs more and uses more energy than simple, dependable municipal tap water.”
“This cooperation among governments must extend to investments in local water systems. The most economical and reliable source of drinking water is a first-rate municipal water system. Where these systems are lacking, all orders of government must help fund the necessary infrastructure.”
FCM´s resolution also calls on municipalities to develop awareness campaigns about the positive benefits and quality of municipal water supplies. Municipalities will determine their local course of action.
The resolution was put forward by the cities of Toronto and London, Ontario, over growing concerns for environmental impacts related to the production of bottled water, the energy requirements for the production and transport of bottled water, as well as the disposal and/or recycling of water bottles. Bottled water containers may be recyclable but they still have to be manufactured and transported, which uses significant energy. Between 40 and 80 per cent end up in the local landfill. That is a burden on the environment and a cost for municipal taxpayers.
Los Angeles mayor
wins second term
Los Angeles, 4 March 2009: After a lacklustre campaign, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa was easily re-elected to a second four-year term. The mayor, who did not face any organised opposition, said he was best equipped to lead the city through the current economic crisis to a brighter, greener future. He promised the electorate to cut traffic in and around Los Angeles, promote energy efficiency and combat crime by hiring more police officers.
What he did not explicitly promise was to remain LA boss for the whole of his term. It is widely assumed that Villaraigosa harbours greater political ambitions. He and San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom are thought to have the best chances of winning the nomination for Democratic candidate for Governor of California. Arnold Schwarzenegger, the Austrian-born incumbent, has to step down in 2010 due to term limits. There is also a possibility that Mayor Villaraigosa might bid for a seat in the US Senat.
Following his re-election – Villaraigosa received more than 57 per cent of the vote – the mayor said in his victory speech that Los Angeles would receive a significant share of the economic stimulus package recently passed by the US Congress. Echoing what has been said by politicians numerous times during the current recession, he promised Los Angeles would be re-built and emerge stronger than ever.
Mayors enthuse about
Obama’s urban agenda
Washington DC, 2 March 2009: US President Barack Obama announced the appointments of Adolfo Carrion as White House Director of Urban Affairs and Derek Douglas as Special Assistant to the President for Urban Affairs. Carrion is former president of the Bronx borough in New York City; Douglas is a Los Angeles attorney, policy analyst, and former lobbyist. The two will lead the newly-created White House Office of Urban Affairs, which is charged with developing a strategy for metropolitan America.
The Office of Urban Affairs will work with federal agencies to ensure that appropriate consideration is given to the potential impact of their actions on cities and that all federal dollars targeted to urban areas are effectively spent on the highest-impact programs. “I look forward to working with these talented leaders to bring long overdue attention to the urban areas where 80 per cent of Americans live and work,” said Obama in announcing the appointments.
“Vibrant cities spawn innovation, economic growth, and cultural enrichment,” continued the Democratic President. “The Urban Affairs Office will focus on wise investments and development in our urban areas that will create employment and housing opportunities and make our country more competitive, prosperous, and strong.”
US mayors of all political parties were enthusiastic about the clear change in direction at the federal level. “In terms of policy, the Bush administration was not friendly to cities,” said Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett, a Republican. “Obama gives me great hope.” Miami Mayor Manny Diaz, an Independent, agreed: “There’s a whole paradigm shift. We’re [mayors and White House] talking the same language.”
A significant portion of Obama’s US $787 billion economic recovery package, or stimulus, will be spent in cities. The new Office of Urban Affairs will provide oversight for recovery package expenditures in urban areas.
Obama has warned mayors to spend the stimulus funds wisely. “We cannot tolerate business as usual – not in Washington, not in our state capitals, not in America’s cities,” the President warned mayors. “If a federal agency proposes a project that will waste money, I will not hesitate to call them out on it and put a stop to it. And I want everybody here to be on notice that if a local government does the same, I will call them out on it and use the full power of my office and our administration to stop it.”
President Obama clearly intends to make the White House a partner with mayors in rebuilding American cities. Moreover, the President believes – as has perhaps no other modern American president – that the so-called urban problems of public education, poverty, unequal opportunity, public safety, housing, and race are national problems. By fixing cities, Obama implies, we can fix the nation. To this end, Obama has elevated mayors to a position at center stage of America’s economic recovery. (Report by Tony Favro)
Obama tells mayors not
to waste federal dollars
Washington DC, 21 February 2009: US President Barack Obama has warned the country’s city mayors they would be held accountable for how federal dollars from the $787 billion economic stimulus package are spent. The president and cabinet leaders met with 80 mayors from across the country to discuss how the stimulus plan will affect their communities. President Obama told the mayors that stimulus funds must be used for their intended purposes and without waste, inefficiency or fraud. He warned if a local government does not do that, he will use the full power of his office to stop it.
The leader of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, Miami Mayor Manny Diaz, said city officials welcome accountability. The meeting comes one day after Mr. Obama named a director, Adolfo Carrion Jr., for the new White House Office of Urban Affairs, which the president said will help ensure federal dollars targeting urban areas are well spent.
President Obama said the office will focus on job creation, improving housing and infrastructure, and creating new ways to make the country more globally competitive. The president said rebuilding the economy is going to require a partnership between mayors and the White House. (Report by VoA News)
US cities in dire
financial trouble
Washington, 6 February 2009: The unprecedented harsh economic conditions facing the US are increasingly straining the ability of American cities to meet their financial needs. In a recently conducted survey by the National League of Cities (NLC) 84 per cent of cities reported facing fiscal difficulties, up from 64 per cent only six months ago. This is the highest percentage in the history of NLC’s surveys, dating back to 1985.
Almost all cities responding expect the current economic hardship to continue well into 2009. 92 per cent of the cities surveyed expected to have trouble meeting their city needs during this year. According to the report, cities are responding to the economic downturn by implementing hiring freezes and layoffs, delaying capital expenditures and instituting service cuts.
“Cities are responding as best they can,” said Donald J. Borut, executive director, NLC. He continued, “Their citizens have increasing needs for services just at the same time that revenues are declining. Cities are implementing creative solutions and making very difficult decisions amid rapidly changing economic circumstances.”
City finances tend to lag the overall economy by 12 to 24 months. The degrading economic conditions seen during the fall months will be felt by cities through 2009 and likely through most of 2010. This time lag means cities will face an increasingly more difficult proposition as the year progresses.
“We must support our nation by recognizing that strong cities and towns serve as a backbone to economic growth,” said Borut. He continued, “If the US is going to see economic recovery then we must support and promote the financial health of our local communities.”
Mayor Monitor rates the performance of mayors from across the world More
New Orleans is still below pre-Katrina population level (Photo: New house building in New Orleans)
Memphis mayor resigns to prepare for Congress
Los Angeles Mayor will not run for Californian Governor
Nine people reported dead in Washington train crash
US mayors demand a greater share of federal aid package
US mayors annoyed with Barack Obama
Canadian mayors are still waiting for promised funds
San Antonio mayor-elect puts stress on new jobs
US mayors happy with Obama's first 100 days
Six steps to a greener NYC
Canadian cities opposed to use of bottled water
Los Angeles Mayor wins second term
Mayors enthusiastic about Obama’s urban agenda
Obama tells mayors not to waste federal dollars
US cities in dire financial trouble