Mayor Wells-Armstrong Participates During the Mayors Innovation Project Summer Meeting
Kankakee, IL – Mayor Chasity Wells-Armstrong was one of many mayors and local
leaders throughout the nation to attend the Mayors Innovation Project Annual
Summer Meeting earlier this month. The Mayors Innovation Project is a
non-profit, non-partisan learning network specifically created for mayors
committed to equity, environmental sustainability and transparent democracy.
The Center on Wisconsin Strategy (COWS) is a progressive policy institute
housed on the campus of the University of Wisconsin-Madison. It was
founded in 1991 by UW Professor Joel Rogers. The organization says that its core values are democracy,
sustainability and equality.
Former and present mayors have the opportunity
to be a part of the steering committee, who decide where the meetings take
place, as well as, the content that will be discussed. Mayor Pete Buttigieg of
South Bend, Indiana is a part of the committee. Buttigieg is also running for
President in 2020. He was not attendance at this year’s Mayors Innovation
Project due to campaigning, however is an active member.
During the meeting, Mayors learned about various
approaches to addressing violence in their respective communities. Other
highlights included an overview of strategies to provide stable residents,
address inequity, tours of programs focused on supporting and engaging youth,
and a panel discussion regarding opportunity zone investments.
“Many municipalities are facing similar
challenges and it is helpful to have access to organizations that are committed
to supporting the work of mayors at the local level. I appreciate the work of
the Mayors Innovation Project and the invitation extended to me to participate
this year,” said Mayor Wells-Armstrong.
The Mayors Innovation Project has principles
that align to the Kankakee Forward agenda, specifically around equity.
The Mayors Innovation Project sponsored Mayor Wells-Armstrong to attend the
meeting hoping to facilitate meaningful discussions around diversity and
equitable representation in public policy. Only two mayors from the state of
Illinois were in attendance including Mayor Wells-Armstrong and Mayor Chris
Koos from the City of Normal.