TAMPA, FL — June 19-22, 2025 – The United States Conference of Mayors (USCM) convened its 93rd Annual Meeting in Tampa, Florida, from June 19 to 22, bringing together mayors from cities across the nation to address critical urban issues, collaborate on policy resolutions, and advocate for the priorities of American cities. This year’s conference served as a significant gathering for local leaders to unite, share ideas, and strategize on ways to tackle the challenges facing cities today.
Local Leadership Unites to Shape the Future of Cities
The U.S. Conference of Mayors Annual Meeting is a vital event for local leadership, allowing mayors from diverse urban areas—ranging from large metropolises to smaller municipalities—to discuss pressing issues and exchange best practices. With cities at the center of national policy debates, this conference provides a platform for mayors to address the unique challenges they face and advocate for solutions that benefit their communities.
In 2025, the focus of the conference was on several core issues that shape the urban landscape, including infrastructure, climate change, affordable housing, public safety, and economic recovery in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. The gathering highlighted the importance of mayors as catalysts for change, working not only within their cities but also in collaboration with state and federal entities.
Key Themes and Discussions at the Conference
A significant portion of the conference was dedicated to policy resolutions—formal stances on issues that mayors believe require federal action or cooperation from other levels of government. These resolutions serve as an advocacy tool, giving local leaders a collective voice in shaping national policy.
1. Climate Action and Sustainability
Climate change remains a priority issue for many cities. As mayors continue to face rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and other climate-related challenges, the conference emphasized the need for cities to lead the charge in environmental sustainability. Discussions focused on reducing carbon emissions, enhancing energy efficiency in buildings, and implementing renewable energy solutions. Additionally, mayors shared successful strategies for urban resilience and the adoption of green technologies.
2. Affordable Housing and Homelessness
Affordable housing continues to be a widespread concern across the U.S., particularly in urban centers where demand exceeds supply. The conference spotlighted innovative solutions for tackling the housing crisis, including zoning reforms, new housing development models, and increasing funding for affordable housing projects. Many mayors also emphasized the need for comprehensive approaches to address homelessness, including providing mental health services and support for the most vulnerable populations.
3. Public Safety and Criminal Justice Reform
As public safety remains a top priority, mayors discussed how cities can balance law enforcement efforts with community trust and safety. With ongoing debates surrounding police reform, the conference hosted discussions on community policing, the role of technology in law enforcement, and the importance of mental health resources in reducing crime. Local leaders recognized that effective policing is vital, but it must be coupled with strategies that promote equity and justice.
4. Economic Recovery and Workforce Development
As cities continue to recover from the economic disruptions caused by the pandemic, workforce development emerged as a critical discussion point. Many mayors focused on strategies to create resilient local economies by investing in job training, supporting small businesses, and fostering innovation. The conference highlighted the importance of building a workforce that can adapt to new industries, such as technology and green energy, and ensuring that all residents have access to good-paying jobs.
5. Advocacy for Federal Support
The U.S. Conference of Mayors also focused on advocating for stronger federal support for local governments. With cities facing growing demands and limited resources, mayors called for increased funding for essential services such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and housing. In particular, there was a call for federal action to help cities address the long-term effects of the pandemic and ensure a fair and sustainable economic recovery.
Collaborative Opportunities and Networking
Beyond policy discussions, the 93rd Annual Meeting served as an opportunity for mayors to network and build partnerships with industry leaders, experts, and organizations focused on urban development. The event featured workshops, panels, and presentations that showcased innovative solutions in areas such as technology, sustainability, and urban planning.
By collaborating with these stakeholders, mayors gained valuable insights into new tools and strategies that can be applied to solve city-specific challenges. The conference also encouraged the exchange of ideas and best practices that mayors can bring back to their communities, reinforcing the importance of collaboration in solving complex urban issues.
Moving Forward: A Unified Vision for America’s Cities
The 93rd Annual Meeting of the U.S. Conference of Mayors demonstrated the continued commitment of local leaders to shaping the future of their cities. With collective action, mayors are tackling the nation’s most pressing issues, from climate change to economic recovery, and striving to create more inclusive, sustainable, and resilient communities.
As the conference concluded, mayors left Tampa with renewed determination to work collaboratively—both with each other and with higher levels of government—to ensure that cities remain vibrant and prosperous for future generations. The resolutions passed during the event will guide their advocacy efforts in the coming years, providing a unified voice for cities across the nation.
