Concord Mayor Scott Padgett and members of the North Carolina Metropolitan Mayors Coalition met with Governor Pat McCrory, Senate leader Phil Berger, and House Speaker Thom Tillis today in Raleigh. The Coalition, which is comprised of the mayors of the state’s twenty-eight largest cities and represents more than three million citizens, focused on issues important to Concord and all the state’s metropolitan areas.
The visit to Raleigh was highlighted by a special reception with Governor McCrory at the Governor’s Mansion. As mayor of Charlotte, McCrory helped found the Coalition.
“North Carolina’s cities are the driving forces behind our state’s economy, attracting industry and supporting innovation that benefits the entire state,” said Padgett. “As mayors, we are focused on policies to strengthen our cities by improving transportation, supporting economic development, and improving public safety. We are proud to partner with Governor McCrory, who — as a former mayor, understands our concerns — as well as the legislative leadership to advance issues that will help our cities and our people now and in the future.”
According to a study commissioned by the U.S. Conference of Mayors, 81 percent of North Carolina’s economic output is produced in metropolitan areas. In addition, 67 percent of the jobs in North Carolina are located in the Piedmont Crescent, the urban corridor that stretches from Charlotte to Raleigh.
The Coalition’s legislative agenda is focused on promoting innovative strategies to build and maintain transportation infrastructure, providing cities the needed revenues and resources to ensure they continue to serve as thriving centers for citizens, and supporting local law enforcement and the judicial system to reduce crime.
(WBTV)
Submitted by David Whisenant
Wednesday, March 6th, 2013, 7:54am
