Mayors hold conference in Orlando

The nation’s mayors will be neck-deep, at least, in presidential politics as they gather June 13-16 for the 80th annual meeting of the United States Conference of Mayors (USCM). The mayors are meeting in Orlando, Fla., a key swing state in the presidential race and also the site of the 2012 Republican National Convention in Tampa the week of August 27.

Vice President Joe Biden is scheduled to address the group June 15. USCM officials say they also are working to get Mitt Romney, the presumptive Republican nominee, to drop in. The mayors will discuss the presidential and congressional elections, and how those contests could affect the nation’s metro regions.

When they aren’t talking politics, the mayors will discuss other issues central to U.S. cities. Forums are scheduled on topics including job creation and the effects of long-term unemployment, reducing urban violence, transportation and infrastructure, using social media, and expanding access to healthy food in urban areas.

Featured speakers include figures both in – like Education Secretary Arne Duncan – and out – such as former Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson – of government. And back to presidential politics, the speakers mix also features operatives from both sides of the aisle, including Romney advisor Kevin Madden and Democratic strategist Donna Brazile.

Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter will be installed as USCM’s new president. Information on the conference is available at the group’s website.