POSTPONED Gulf Coast Mayors Leadership Institute at Southern University, Baton Rouge, LA
The Gulf Coast Mayors Leadership Institute has been postponed due to the recent budget cuts in Louisiana and the broader economic environment in the nation. Organizaers are working to reschedule the training in August through additional sponsorship for travel and expenses of participants. More information will be forthcoming.
Black mayors from dozens of southern cities are expected to participate in a conference at Southern University focused on key government issues such as how to tap into the multibillion dollar federal stimulus program, economic development and community planning.
Conducted by the Louisiana Center for Equitable Development (L-CED) in conjunction with the National Conference of Black Mayors (NCBM), the 2009 Gulf Coast Black Mayors Leadership Institute will be held July 12-15 on the Baton Rouge campus. Participating mayors will join members of the Gulf Coast Black Mayors Leadership Program from its lead cities–Louisiana, Arkansas, Texas, Alabama, Mississippi and Florida–during the Institute. Each participant will receive college credits upon completion of the Institute. The coursework for this program will be delivered in a variety of innovative learning styles such as case studies, lectures, role playing, and interactive technology.
Dr. Michael Stubblefield, L-CED Vice Chancellor of Research and Strategic Initiatives, said, “We are elated to host this Institute and present such a wide variety of experts to lead the sessions. The agenda prepared for this year’s Institute is filled with critical information and effective strategies that will prove beneficial to mayors during these tough economic times.”
Vanessa R. Williams, NCBM Executive Director, said, “As leaders, mayors must continually seek to further enhance their knowledge base and management capacity. While the entire nation proceeds along an arduous road to recovery, our municipalities are facing incredible, though not insurmountable, challenges. This Institute aims to assist our mayors in overcoming these challenges.”
Sessions include:
Economic Development and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009: This session will highlight strategies in creating economic development opportunities for minority contractors through Disadvantage Business Enterprise Programs. Mayors will also receive guidance on how to take advantage of the funding opportunities provided in the national Economic Stimulus plan.
Managing the Media: Mayors will be trained on how to use the media to tailor their messages to the public and how to be proactive in using the media when dealing with controversial issues.
Equitable Development: Presenters will discuss the principles and benefits of Equitable Development, such as community benefits agreements, affordable housing, community master planning, access to healthy food and small business development.
Public Finance: This session will provide mayors with technical skills in budget planning, budget monitoring, and municipal bond financing.
For more information on registration cost, lodging, session topics and sponsorships, please visit the L-CED website at www.l-ced.org. For telephone inquiries, please contact conference coordinator James Gilmore at (225) 236-7692.
