More than 30 U.S. big city mayors are vowing to fight growing income inequality in their hometowns.
New York Mayor Bill de Blasio hosted colleagues from other cities at Gracie Mansion. They pledged to push for higher wages, expanded pre-kindergarten programs and increased Internet access for poor neighborhoods.
Mayors Kathy Sheehan of Albany, Marty Walsh of Boston and Rahm Emanuel of Chicago were among those at Monday's gathering.
They're part of a task force called "Cities of Opportunity." Sheehan remarked “Joining this Task Force furthers my pledge to make Albany a city of opportunity for all of our residents,”
The mayors released a report showing that the gap between the nation's richest and poorest has increased dramatically.
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Mayor Sheehan. “Since January, I have established and implemented an Equity Agenda for the City and made it one of my highest priorities, hiring Barbara Smith to spearhead initiatives that address economic, racial, and social inequality. The results are tangible, and are making a difference for Albany residents.”
Through Mayor Sheehan’s efforts to actively publicize Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), the number of low and moderate income Albany residents participating in the programs in 2014 increased 24%, and those residents received $6,309,145 in tax refunds, a nearly $600,000 increase from the prior year. Albany also joined the Greater Capital Region CA$H Coalition (Creating Assets, Savings, and Hope) a partnership of organizations that work to eradicate poverty.
In June, the Mayor convened the City’s first ever Equity Agenda Advisory Group comprised of residents representing constituencies that historically have been marginalized in Albany’s civic life, including residents of public housing and members of the refugee community. The Advisory Group held its first public forum in late July during which parents and caregivers spoke directly to the Mayor and out-of-school program providers about gaps in resources for Albany’s youth. It was extremely well attended by parents and community members from all over the City, and more than a dozen program providers participated.
After taking office in January, Mayor Sheehan also launched a monthly series of informational and cultural events at City Hall. Most recently, City Hall hosted an information forum for the new Capital South Campus Center, which will provide higher education and career training opportunities for residents of public housing and other city residents who face economic challenges.
Under the Mayor’s leadership, the City of Albany has become a fully integrated partner in the Albany Promise, a consortium of education, community, business, civic and philanthropic leaders committed to improving educational outcomes for Albany’s children so that every child graduates from high school ready for college or a career.
“In becoming a charter member of the Cities of Opportunity Task Force,” said Mayor Sheehan “I join mayors from across the country to set a new, national urban agenda based on a common understanding that equality, equity and opportunity are necessary building blocks for strong communities.”
For further information, or to get involved in the City’s Equity Agenda program as a volunteer, residents are encouraged to email Barbara Smith: bsmith - at - albanyny.gov
(c) 2014 WAMC and AP
