The White House Briefs National League of Cities on Key Initiatives; Economy, Jobs, Small Business, Veterans Top Agenda

WASHINGTON, March 13, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A group of city officials attending the National League of Cities Congressional City Conference visited the White House today for a dialogue with senior White House officials.  They discussed the ways cities and the federal government can partner to create an environment that will help foster local economic growth.

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As part of the briefing, the officials exchanged ideas with city leaders on strategies to develop regional economies that leverage local skill sets and the need for greater infrastructure investment.  The speakers also emphasized the need for all levels of government to support small businesses which are key to job creation and the recovery of Main Street economies.

The city officials also received a briefing on First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden 's Joining Forces Initiative and the need for cross-sector, community-based support including education, training and health care for returning veterans and military families.  Both city officials and the Administration acknowledged that chief among the challenges for the nation and for cities and towns is to develop private business capacity for hiring veterans.

"Thanks to the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs for facilitating such a valuable forum for open discussion with White House policy makers," said NLC President Ted Ellis , mayor, Bluffton, IN.  "President Obama and his team have a firm understanding of the needs of cities."

Speakers included:

David Agnew , Director, White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs
Brad Cooper , Executive Director, Joining Forces
Greg Nelson , Deputy Director, White House Office of Public Engagement
Don Graves , Executive Director, White House Council on Jobs and Competitiveness
Jason Furman , Principal Deputy Director, National Economic Council
Karen Mills , Administrator, Small Business Administration

The National League of Cities is dedicated to helping city leaders build better communities. NLC is a resource and advocate for 19,000 cities, towns and villages, representing more than 218 million Americans.

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SOURCE National League of Cities