AAHOA Director of State Government Affairs Rachel Stone, recently attended the US Conference of Mayors Summer Meeting, where key topics affecting our cities were discussed. Here’s a summary of the important issues and solutions explored:

• Economic Mobility:
  • Ohio Model grant helps individuals re-enter society, secure jobs, and offers liability waivers for employers.
• Child Care:
  • Initiatives to help mothers return to work by supporting childcare programs.
• Homelessness:
  • Mayor Karen Bass: Critiques Supreme Court case on criminalizing homelessness. Solutions need to address root causes and support year-round housing.
  • DC Fly-in Recap: 48 bipartisan mayors advocate for:
    • Exempting Veterans Disability Benefits from rental assistance calculations.
    • Increasing Project-Based Vouchers flexibility and HUD budget.
    • Raising CDBG cap for public services to prevent homelessness.
    • Addressing racial disparities in homelessness.
• Gun Violence:
  • Bipartisan efforts are needed.
  • Focus on mental health investment and state/federal support.
  • Supreme Court case on semi-automatic weapons under review.
• Mental Health:
  • Top crisis in America.
  • Early and continuous services for children, including 24/7 handoff in schools.
• Infrastructure:
  • CARES Act funding for online therapy and mental health services.
• Public Housing:
  • Current conditions are unacceptable. Use CRA funds to improve quality.
• Neighborhood Development:
  • Invest in parks, sustainable architecture, and senior housing. Urban development is key to improving quality of life.
• Making Connections: Rachel met with several mayors from across the country, including Hillary Schieve, Mayor of Reno, NV; Phil Brook, Mayor of Santa Monica, CA; Karen Bass, Mayor of Los Angeles, CA; and Tishaura Jones, Mayor of St. Louis, MO.

Big Picture: Rachel Stone’s participation highlights AAHOA’s commitment to tackling urban challenges through collaboration, advocacy, and innovative solutions.