Mayor Michael Hancock, who made news this week for criticizing the Trump administration's threats over immigration policies, will lead the National Conference of Democratic Mayors.
Hancock was announced Friday as the newly elected president of the group out of Washington, D.C. that connects Democratic mayors around policy and politics. He serves on the board of the National Conference of Democratic Mayors alongside seven other city leaders from across the United States.
The Democratic mayor believes they play a critical role fighting to preserve inclusivity, economic mobility and equal opportunity under President Donald Trump's administration.
"Now more than ever, Democratic mayors must be the ones to lead on the issues that affect all of us," Hancock said in a statement.
"We must fight for our core values and for those who cannot fight for themselves. We must continue to make critical investments in our future and lift up our collective voice to do what must be done to improve the lives of all Americans. And we must do it through bold, progressive ideas and concerted action," he said.
Hancock serves on the board along with Mayor Nan Whaley of Dayton, Ohio; Mayor Eric Garcetti of Los Angeles; Mayor Megan Barry of Nashville, Tennessee; Mayor Sly James of Kansas City, Missouri, Mayor Christopher Cabaldon of West Sacramento, California; Mayor Steve Adler of Austin, Texas; and Mayor Pete Buttigieg of South Bend, Indiana.
"The leadership of our mayors is more important than ever," said Democratic National Committee Chair Tom Perez.
"Over the past year, as Trump has put forward one dangerous policy after another, our Mayors have led with their values and kept us moving forward. When Trump pulled out of the Paris Climate Accord, Democratic mayors made their own commitments to a carbon free future. When Trump closed our country's doors to immigrants and refugees, Democratic mayors opened theirs. Democratic Mayors aren't just talking about jobs; they're creating them — every day," Perez said.
Business & data reporter Adrian D. Garcia can be reached via email at [email protected] or twitter.com/adriandgarcia.
