(Washington D.C.) – The African American Mayors Association (AAMA) announced today the creation of five task forces and standing policy committees to develop positions and advocacy at the federal level. These working groups, chaired by member-mayors, will tackle the most pressing issues including Reproductive Healthcare Access and Black Maternal Health, Wealth Creation, Public Safety and Accountability, Transportation and Infrastructure, and Housing and Community Development.
“At the heart of structural racism and the continued fight for equity nationwide is public policy. That’s why we chose to develop task forces and committees around these key issues that deeply affect the Black community and our quality of life,” said Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott, Jr., President of AAMA.
“I look forward to taking a lead role on the Wealth Creation Task Force, where we can work at the federal level to improve financial literacy, develop the necessary tools for poverty reduction, and facilitate wealth creation among underserved communities.”
The following task forces and committees will convene for their first meetings in January:
- Task Force on Reproductive Healthcare Access and Black Maternal Health, Chaired by Mayor Tishaura Jones (St. Louis, MO)
- Task Force on Wealth Creation, Co-chaired by Mayor Frank Scott, Jr. (Little Rock, AR) and Mayor Rachel Proctor (DeSoto, TX)
- Standing Policy Committee on Public Safety and Accountability, Chaired by Mayor Quinton Lucas (Kansas City, MO)
- Standing Policy Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Chaired by Mayor LaToya Cantrell (New Orleans, LA)
- Standing Policy Committee on Housing and Community Development, Chaired by Mayor Steven L. Reed (Montgomery, AL)
In addition to evaluating policy positions and recommendations, these groups will also monitor changes in relevant state law and federal legislative and executive branch proposals affecting their designated issues.
ABOUT AAMA
The African American Mayors Association (AAMA) is the only organization dedicated to representing over 500 African American mayors across the United States. AAMA seeks to empower local leaders for the benefit of their citizens. The role of the AAMA includes taking positions on public policies that impact the vitality and sustainability of cities; providing mayors with leadership and management tools; and creating a forum for member mayors to share best practices related to municipal management.
