Pledging push for more funding, mayors group calls transportation key to fighting inequality

Updated Mar 26, 2015
New York City mayor Bill de Blasio addresses the media at the USCM’s Cities of Opportunities Task Force in Boston. Credit: Associated PressNew York City mayor Bill de Blasio addresses the media at the USCM’s Cities of Opportunities Task Force in Boston. Credit: Associated Press

Members of the U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) Cities of Opportunity Task Force, have pledged to work together in urging Congress to pass a transportation bill not only for national infrastructure improvement, but also for funding programs needed in growing city populations.

The task force was formed during USCM’s annual meeting in 2014 to “leverage the power of local governments to advance a national common equity agenda with policies and best-practices that will help expand opportunity for all.” This meeting marked the second time the task force has convened.

The group met March 23 in Boston. Inequality among larger city populations was front and center of discussions during the meeting.

“The nation’s mayors cannot stand idly by when Washington does not act,” said USCM CEO and Executive Director Tom Cochran. “We have an obligation to do what we can from where we sit to address issues of inequality and grow economic opportunities for the people living in cities and their metropolitan areas all across the country.”

New York Mayor Bill de Blasio said transportation is a major tool in fighting inequality and is the “backbone” of economic growth.

“Transit serves as a lifeline for so many, connecting those who need it most to jobs, school, and real mobility, while transportation infrastructure creates the good-paying jobs so many need,” he said. “The status quo is simply unacceptable. It’s time for Congress to truly invest in the future of our cities and our nation by passing a bill that increases federal transportation funding. And we’ll be making that clear with direct action in our cities and in Washington.”