Seven Mayors Join Accelerator for America Advisory Council
Mayors of Chattanooga, Fort Worth, Mesa, San Antonio, San Diego, Scranton & Tampa – and Two Other New Members – to Help Lead National Organization Committed to Building Economic Security and Inclusive Recovery
SEPTEMBER 13, 2022 – The non-profit "Do Tank" Accelerator for America today announced seven new members of its Advisory Council: Mayor Tim Kelly of Chattanooga, TN; Mayor Mattie Parker of Fort Worth, TX; Mayor John Giles of Mesa, AZ; Mayor Ron Nirenberg of San Antonio, TX; Mayor Todd Gloria of San Diego, CA; Mayor Paige Cognetti of Scranton, PA; and Mayor Jane Castor of Tampa, Fl.
Mike Monroe, Chief of Staff of North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU), and Matthew Mullin, Vice President, Policy, Programs & Communications of the International Economic Development Council, were also announced as Advisory Council members today.
The Accelerator’s Advisory Council is chaired by Mayor Kate Gallego of Phoenix, AZ and Mayor Quinton Lucas of Kansas City, MO. It also includes Mayor Quentin Hart of Waterloo, IA; Mayor David Holt of Oklahoma City, OK; Mayor Andy Schor of Lansing, MI and Mayor Randall Woodfin of Birmingham, AL, in addition to other elected officials and business, labor, philanthropy, nonprofit and public policy leaders. A full listing is here.
In less than five years, the Accelerator's economic development tools have been used by more than 70 cities nationwide, and the organization has helped localities generate more than $40 billion in infrastructure funding independent of federal investment.
“Mayors are on the front lines of our economic recovery, and the experience and ideas these seven mayors will bring to our Advisory Council will be an incredible asset to the Accelerator’s work in cities across the country,” Mayor Gallego said.
"Accelerator for America was founded to lift mayors' and their cities' voices as we advocated for a once-in-a-generation federal infrastructure investment in front of Congress and two presidential administrations. Today, Accelerator is proud to welcome a strong and diverse new cohort of mayors to our Advisory Council. These mayors will help Accelerator continue our work to help local governments navigate implementation, as we work to build more inclusive, equitable and climate-conscious communities across America. Together, we can help communities large and small and in every corner of our country secure opportunities made available by the transformative Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and beyond.” Mayor Lucas said.
“As an action-oriented organization, Accelerator isn’t just about identifying initiatives, it’s about implementing them with urgency and intentionality, and mayors get things done,” said Accelerator CEO Mary Ellen Wiederwohl.
Mayor Kelly said: “Cities today are facing some of society’s toughest challenges, from labor shortages to aging infrastructure, which is why it’s more important than ever for us to collaborate,” said Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly. “Accelerator for America is emerging as one of our nation's most essential conveners by bringing together local leaders to find solutions that create lasting change. That's why I’m honored to join their Accelerator Advisory Council and work with mayors nationwide to help identify and scale smart investments and policy decisions that will improve all of our communities.”
“As Mayor of one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, I see clearly that now is a critical time to be making bold investments to ensure the continued success of American cities. Accelerator for America has taken on that charge, committed to lifting the voices of mayors and cities to push for smart, bold solutions to big challenges, and I am looking forward to working with excellent leaders from across the country in this effort to support thriving communities,” Mayor Parker said.
“Infrastructure investments are spurring momentum for fast-growing cities like Mesa, and I’m proud to have worked closely with Accelerator on the efforts to pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that will have a lasting impact on the local level. I’m eager to get to work on the Accelerator Advisory Council, on developing bipartisan solutions that will lead to a brighter, safer and more equitable future for cities and towns across the country,” Mayor Giles said.
“As mayor of San Antonio, Texas, I am especially grateful for the opportunity to bring our unique perspective and voice to the national stage in service to the Accelerator for America Advisory Board. As chair of the Texas Big City Mayors coalition, I have been honored to work with Accelerator for America to advocate for unprecedented levels of federal infrastructure funding. Cities will be the driver of our nation’s economic recovery, so I look forward to working with Accelerator to ensure we continue to make strategic investments in our local communities’ human and physical infrastructure,” said Mayor Ron Nirenberg.
“I’m excited to join Accelerator for America’s Advisory Council and help build on the organization’s success in advocating for federal investment in and partnership with America’s cities. I am eager to share what’s working here in San Diego and learn from my colleagues on other strategies and solutions to tackle our toughest challenges like improving our infrastructure, enhancing our climate resiliency, and increasing access to housing for low- and middle-income residents. I know being at the table with these bold, forward-looking leaders is going to pay dividends for San Diegans for years to come.” said Mayor Gloria.
“Mayors across the country worked tirelessly to get landmark federal infrastructure investment passed through Congress. Now, we must ensure that these funds reach their full potential to bolster our cities’ ability to provide safe and healthy environments for residents and strengthen America’s economic future. I'm proud to stand alongside my fellow leaders through Accelerator as we develop equitable and inclusive solutions for some of our cities' greatest issues,” Mayor Cognetti said.
"Accelerator for America provides our nation's cities with tested best practices to reduce economic insecurities, and focuses on issues that impact us here in Tampa including transportation, housing and workforce development. I am excited and honored to serve on Accelerator for America's Advisory Board." Mayor Castor said.
Accelerator for America is also pleased to expand its partnerships on the Advisory Council with the addition of Mike Monroe, Chief of Staff for North America’s Building Trades Unions and Matthew Mullin, Vice President of the International Economic Development Council.
"After decades of neglect, long sought federal investments for critical infrastructure now provide cities opportunities to realize strong economic growth for years to come. With this funding comes a responsibility to ensure that resources are dedicated to supporting and creating family sustaining construction careers by utilizing best in class workforce development strategies that will provide pathways for underserved communities through expanded access to Registered Apprenticeship and Apprenticeship Readiness Programs. NABTU is pleased to join the talented leadership of Accelerator for America (AFA) as they continue the important and necessary work of convening key stakeholders in order to achieve the successful outcomes we collectively advocate for.” said Mike Monroe.
Matthew Mullin said: “Economic development is a profession centered on service and action. I am excited and honored to have this opportunity to work with such a distinguished group who are also dedicated to these ideals. AFA is a leading catalyst in the vital work of seizing this moment of opportunity, learning from past efforts, and identifying innovative solutions that will set into motion lasting and equitable growth for all. I look forward to working with Mary Ellen and the AFA team under the leadership of Mayor Gallego and Mayor Lucas.”