City Of New Orleans: Mayor Cantrell Meets With EPA Administrator During U.S. Conference Of Mayors' 90th Winter Meeting In Washington, D.C.

Press release from the City of New Orleans:

January 21, 2022

NEW ORLEANS — The City of New Orleans announced this week that Mayor LaToya Cantrell is attending the U.S. Conference of Mayors' (USCM) 90th Winter Meeting in Washington, D.C. While attending the convening, Mayor Cantrell met with U.S. Environmental Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan to discuss possible solutions and federal resources to assist Gordon Plaza residents seeking relocation funding and support, in addition to transitioning the site into a sustainable resource for the community.  

“I met with EPA Administrator Michael Regan to explore the City’s plan for thoughtfully redeveloping Gordon Plaza into a solar farm that would increase our power resilience and minimize greenhouse gas emissions,” said Mayor LaToya Cantrell.  “We remain simultaneously committed to ensuring the best interest of the residents in this neighborhood while pursuing sustainable opportunities for future generations of New Orleanians.”  

Mayor Cantrell joined more than 150 of the nation’s mayors for the convening of the conference under the leadership of USCM President, Mayor Francis Suarez of Miami, to participate in discussions on a wide variety of priorities that contribute to the overall health of America’s cities.  

The meeting provides an opportunity for Mayor Cantrell to meet with key Biden Administration officials, connect and network with peers and share best practices on shared challenges faced in cities across the country. On Jan. 19, the Mayor attended sessions on water and infrastructure investment and gun violence reduction. On Jan. 20, she participated in discussions focused on energy grant and loan funding related to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and building safer cities through technology. 

“The Winter Meeting of the U.S. Conference of Mayors is an important way for cities across the country to stay connected with one another. It’s a unique opportunity for mayors—whether Democrat, Republican or Independent—to roll up their sleeves, brainstorm about how to solve similar problems and share best practices. As we continue the challenging work of managing COVID-19, there is no better time for the nation’s mayors to come together to work on their shared priorities and engage with federal leaders to improve the lives of all our residents,” said Mayor Suarez. 

The convening provided an opportunity for local and federal leaders to tackle the biggest issues affecting the American people. Top agenda items include infrastructure, jobs, COVID-19 pandemic relief, public safety, climate change, immigration and affordable housing, which align with the Cantrell Administration’s priorities.  

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This press release was produced by the City of New Orleans. The views expressed here are the author’s own.