[Press Release] : Mayor Hindman meets with President Obama, top advisors

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Contact: Mayor Darwin Hindman - mayor at GoColumbiaMo.com 

Mayor Hindman meets with President Obama, top advisors

COLUMBIA, MO (February 20, 2009) - Columbia, Missouri Mayor Darwin
Hindman was one of 80 mayors from across the nation who met with
President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and members of their
administration today in Washington, DC. According to a news release from
the United States Conference of Mayors, these top elected city officials
were invited to the White House by the president and vice president to
discuss the recently signed American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Hindman said that between 8 a.m. and noon today, he and his colleagues
were able to talk with the president, vice president, cabinet
secretaries representing the departments of Housing and Urban
Development; Transportation; Energy; Education; and Justice, and with
Valerie B. Jarrett, the president’s senior advisor and assistant for
intergovernmental affairs and public liaison.

“The session with the president and vice president lasted about an
hour,” Hindman said. “The president said that he remembered his
visit to Columbia last year and that it was one of his best stops.”

Hindman said that he’s encouraged by the quality of those officials
he met today. “They’re smart and aware people, and I think they’re
very interested in the issues that matter to cities. At this point, no
one knows for sure what direction the economy will take, but Columbia is
positioned to be ready to apply for any recovery assistance that’s
available.”

Hindman made a Mizzou connection when he met a University of Missouri
School of Journalism graduate in the White House information office.
“She said that she loved being in Columbia when she was a student
and especially enjoyed our parks and trails.”

Hindman thinks that Columbia’s track record for innovation will work
in its favor as the federal recovery programs are rolled out. “I think
we really have something to gain because of our strong interest in
environment, energy and weatherization. These will be key recovery
strategies.”

Hindman said the administration sent positive and encouraging messages
about the additional programs listed below.
● Community Development Block Grants
● Highway and road improvements
● Public transit
● Neighborhood stabilization
● Public housing
● Training and employment; Job Corps
● Pell Grants
● Child Care Block Grants
● Community Services Block Grants
● Community health centers
● Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
● After-school meals
● Community policing programs
● Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grants
● Education
● National Endowment for the Arts

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Archived press releases can be viewed online at: 
http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/Public_Comm/Public_Information/Press_Releases/

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