Mayor Benjamin elected Vice President of the U.S. Conference of Mayors

Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin was elected Vice President of the U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) at the organization’s annual meeting today in Miami Beach.

“Serving as Vice President of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, I will continue to share the innovative strategies that Columbia is employing to become the most talented, educated and entrepreneurial city in America,” said Mayor Benjamin. “This is a wonderful and unique opportunity for our city and our citizens to stand on the world stage, share best practices and lead in developing smart, non-partisan solutions that improve people’s lives.”

Mayor Benjamin will become President of the USCM in May 2018. As President, he will have the opportunity to advance ideas that promote safe communities and investments in infrastructure, innovation and inclusion in Columbia and in all of America’s cities.

During his term as President, Mayor Benjamin will host the 2018 USCM Fall Leadership Conference in Columbia which will give mayors from across the country the opportunity to see all Columbia and the Midlands have to offer.

The U.S. Conference of Mayors is the leading organization of America’s chief local elected officials. Membership is open to the mayors of any U.S. city with a population of at least 30,000 people.

Earlier this year, Mayor Benjamin was able to secure a $120,000 USCM grant award to fight childhood obesity and promote wellness in Columbia.

Also at this year’s USCM conference, Mayor Benjamin sponsored a resolution that establishes support from the nation’s mayors for the goal of moving to 100 percent clean and renewable energy in cities nation-wide. The resolution passed at the conference on Monday.

For information or media availability, contact Lauren Harper at [email protected].