United States Conference of Mayors Adopts Resolution Supporting Statehood for Washington, DC

(Washington, DC) – Today, at the 84th United States Conference of Mayors (USCM) Annual Meeting, Mayors from across the United States of America adopted a resolution in support of Statehood for Washington, DC. The resolution was introduced by Mayor Muriel Bowser and Co-Sponsored by USCM President and Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake; Gary, Indiana Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson; New York City, New York Mayor Bill de Blasio; Madison, Wisconsin Mayor Paul Soglin; and Jackson, Mississippi Mayor Tony Yarber.

“I want to thank my fellow Mayors from across the United States for supporting full democracy for District residents.” said Mayor Muriel Bowser. “As Washingtonians continue the fight for full equality, together with the United States Conference of Mayors, we have an unique opportunity to do something historic and remedy one of the greatest ongoing civil and voting rights injustices of modern time.”

Mayor Bowser co-sponsored two additional resolutions that were also adopted by USCM today. The first resolution calls on cities to support institutionalizing and standardizing local and sustainable food procurement practices, and for federal support to aid in this effort. Mayor Bowser is the Co-Chair of the USCM Food Policy Task Force, serving with Co-Chair Madison, Wisconsin Mayor Paul Soglin.

The second resolution, introduced by members of Mayors United Against Discrimination, encourages cities and states around the country to take action to ensure inclusiveness in their own cities, and to use their collective voices and resources to oppose discrimination across America and urge Congress to pass legislation such as the Equality Act.

On Saturday, Mayor Bowser joined Valerie Jarrett, Senior Advisor to President Barack Obama, for a luncheon for women mayors who are leading the fight for working families in their cities. Mayor Bowser highlighted the Fair Shot Minimum Wage Amendment Act of 2016, which she will be signing into law tonight at 6 pm at the Columbia Heights Civic Plaza. The Bowser Administration will continue to ensure all residents have a fair shot and a pathway to the middle class.

View pictures from this conference HERE.