MIAMI-DADE COUNTY
And
FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY
Invite You To The:
XVI Inter-American Conference of Mayors and Local Authorities
“Local Governments after the Crisis: Lessons Learned and New Opportunities”
June 7 - 10, 2010 Hilton Miami Downtown Hotel Miami, Florida USA
The government of Miami-Dade County and Florida International University invite you to participate in the XVI Inter-American Conference of Mayors and Local Authorities which will focus upon “Local Governments after the Crisis: Lessons Learned and New Opportunities”. The Conference provides a forum for representatives of local, regional and national governments, NGOs, various international and multilateral organizations and all of those interested in local governments issues to share experiences; information and practices; to review major local government developments; to adopt policy statements; and to discuss common goals for the strengthening of local governments.
Background: As the largest gathering of local leaders from throughout the hemisphere to occur each year, the Conference continues to build upon the many successes of the previous conferences. Throughout the region and in the current difficult economic times, effective local governance and strong intergovernmental relations at all levels will be more important than ever to promote the economic and physical well being of citizens. The task of effective democratic governance cannot be achieved without effective, committed and efficient local government. Only through responsive and accountable local governments can a more equitable society be built.
Participants: The Conference is annually attended by mayors, governors, legislators and other elected representatives of, as well as senior executive officials from the local, regional and national governments of the Americas. Other attendees include academics and interested parties from the private sector, non-governmental organizations and major international and multilateral agencies. Attendees also include representatives of the media and the leadership of major municipal associations. Last year’s Conference was attended by more than 450 participants- representing almost every country of the Hemisphere.
ABOUT THE CONFERENCE
Title: “Local Governments after the Economic Crisis: Lessons Learned and New Opportunities”, the Sixteenth Inter-American Conference of Mayors and Local Authorities.
When: June 7 - 10, 2010 at the Hilton Miami Downtown Hotel Miami, FL. (Opening Reception
- evening of June 7, 2010).
Sponsorship: Miami-Dade County Government and the Institute for Public Management & Community Service, School of International and Public Affairs, College of Arts and Science of Florida International University.
OBJECTIVES
The year 2010 will be a very difficult one for all levels of government. Latin American economies seemed to have been able to deal with the crisis more efficiently than has been so in other parts of the world. Still, revenues are diminished, jobs have been lost and economic activity is decreased. Learning from successful experiences, as well as planning and managing for the impact that these problems present in terms of inequality and poverty alleviation, democracy and decentralization, will require effective leadership from all levels of government. Only close collaboration and cooperation among municipal, regional and national leaders will help alleviate the problems our hemisphere faces.
The Conference will evaluate the importance of intergovernmental relations as well as examine issues of strengthening civil society; expanding participation and democracy; reducing poverty and inequality; and improving urban infrastructure. The conference will provide attendees with an unparalleled opportunity for sharing new tools and techniques to address the problems facing communities and local governments today.
Training Workshops organized by the Inter-American Foundation
Besides the themes already mentioned, the XVI Conference will include a number of concurrent training workshops, organized in conjunction with the Inter-American Foundation, in which attendees will have the opportunity to actively participate. The workshops will analyze specific examples from Latin America and the US in order to better understand the difficulties faced by local leaders in establishing operational partnerships for local development.
A special plenary session with the Inter-American Development Bank’s Fiscal and Municipal Management Division is also being planned.
Best Innovative Practices
Continuing an initiative launched in 2004, the XVI Conference will again recognize some of the best innovative practices implemented in the hemisphere. In a special session, four outstanding practices, which have been competitively selected, will be presented at a plenary session. If you consider that your local government has implemented, or is implementing, an innovative practice for the benefit of your community, please submit a brief summary of no more than 3 pages (double space, font size 12 -more than that will not be considered. No tables, charts or annexes) explaining the type of project, the difficulties and successes of its implementation, as well as clearly stating the benefits to your community. Send by e-mail no later than April 15, 2010, to lagierc@fiu.edu. The Organizing Committee will select the winners of the best four practices. Those selected will be notified in May 2010.
Hotel Information
Hilton Miami Downtown Hotel 1601 Biscayne Blvd. Each participant is responsible for his/her own lodging and travel. Single or double room special rate $119 + 13% taxes. For a hotel reservation, please call the Hilton Downtown Hotel directly at
(305) 374-0000 or
http://www.hilton.com/en/hi/groups/personalized/ MIADTHF-MAYORS20100602/index.jhtml?WT.mc_id=POG with the Code Group: MAYORS by May 21, 2010
Sponsoring Organization Hon. Carlos Alvarez, Mayor Miami-Dade County Hon. Javier D. Souto, Commissioner
Miami-Dade County, Board of County Commissioners Chair, Organizing Committee
Conference Organizers
Dr. Allan Rosenbaum, Director Cristina A. Rodríguez-Acosta, Deputy Director Institute for Public Management and Community Service School of International and Public Affairs College of Arts and Science Florida International University
Registration and Fees
Mail, fax or e-mail Conference Registration Form by June 1, 2010 to: Institute for Public Management – FIU 11200 S.W. 8th Street – PCA 365 A Miami, FL 33199 – USA Phone: (305) 348-1271 Fax: (305) 348-1273 E-mail: lagierc@fiu.edu
US$300 for non-US public sector and nonprofit organizations ($350 after June 1). US$400 for US public sector and nonprofit and international organizations. US$500 for private sector organizations. Fee includes two luncheons and Monday evening welcome reception.
For more information, please contact Cristina A. Rodriguez-Acosta at Florida International University.
