San Luis, Arizona — The more than 1,000 city and town officials, legislators, business leaders and guests from across the state gathered in Scottsdale last week for the League of Arizona Cities and Towns Annual Conference, held August 23-26 at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess.
Among those in attendance were Mayor Gerardo Sanchez, Vice Mayor Matias Rosales, Council Woman Maria Ramos and Interim City Manager Tadeo A. De La Hoya of the City of San Luis. The conference is held annually in late summer and provides a unique opportunity for local officials to gather together to attend training sessions designed to aid in more effective and efficient management of Arizona’s municipalities, to hear from state and legislative officials, as well as share common concerns and ideas for problem solving.
“This conference is a great opportunity to learn additional concepts and strategies that will help us better serve our community” said Mayor Sanchez.
2016 League Conference highlights included:
- An opening general session on Wednesday, August 24 which included a keynote address and the annual Parade of Flags, highlighting Arizona’s cities and towns. Speakers from the opening general session included:
o United States Senator John McCain
o CNN Contributor and Political Analyst, Ana Navarro, Keynote Speaker
o National League of Cities First Vice President and City of Cleveland Councilmember Matt Zone
- Presentation of the 2016 League Legislative Awards, which honored local government supporters from the state legislature.
- Presentation of the 2016 League Service Award Winners, which honored mayors and members who have served in office for eight, 12, 16 or 20 years.
- 11th Annual Youth Program welcomed more than 190 youth delegates from cities and towns throughout the state. Delegates participated in sessions and activities planned specifically for youth interested in local government and interacted with local elected officials, networked with other youth delegates and learned about issues and challenges facing Arizona.
- More than 25 educational sessions on topics ranging from fundamentals of local government such as budgets and Open Meeting Law, to sessions on transportation, veterans issues, police body cameras, zoning, council-manager relations and economic development.
In addition to the many educational sessions and networking events at the conference, mayors and councilmembers from across the state met during the event to develop resolutions for the League’s Municipal Policy Statement. The policy statement represents the collective interests of cities and towns statewide and will guide the League of Arizona Cities and Town’s lobbying efforts during the upcoming legislative session that begins in January 2017.
About the League:
The League of Arizona Cities and Towns is a voluntary association of all the 91 incorporated cities and towns in the state of Arizona. It provides policy and legislative advocacy, information and inquiry services, along with publications and educational programs to strengthen the quality and efficiency of municipal government. It was founded in 1937 to serve the interests of cities and towns and to preserve the principles of home rule and local determination. For more information, visit www.azleague.org.
