Setting Our City on a Course to a Prosperous and Strong Future
I recently had the honor of participating in the World Economic Forum’s 2017 “Forum on Future Cities” Conference in Dubai, U.A.E. This conference brought together elected officials, thought leaders, innovators, and policy makers from across the globe. We gathered to discuss new ideas and debate strategies on how we can make cities better in the future. We asked what else can we do to make the pursuit of happiness real for the people around us? With the rise of robots, we confronted fears of jobless futures to responsibly merge technology and change with the local values that we share globally.
From Melbourne to Monterrey, Dublin to Dubai, world leaders became more familiar with Mount Vernon’s rising story. Our struggle for change and hard work to revitalize our local economy has earned the distinction of an international example of success for policy leadership.
The pace of change in the world around us can often seem breathtaking. Many times, it can be easy to wonder if this is all for the good. For example, the news often talks about the future of driverless cars and instant delivery service by drones but what happens to the people whose jobs and ability to pay their bills is dependent on working in these industries?
This conference sought to address some of these critical questions. How do humans fare in this brave new world? While smart TVs and connected homes are exciting, how does this help seniors struggling to pay bills or enhance education options for young families?
At a time when fringe groups are working to pull us apart, the World Economic Forum pulled us together to solve global issues with local results. While Mount Vernon is unique, we are not alone. Many communities across the globe are wrestling with the same challenges of an increasingly complicated new world. This is why we are exploring new ideas, building new relationships and competing to bring jobs back to Mount Vernon and strengthen quality of life.
As Mayor, I know I am ultimately responsible for setting our city on a course to a prosperous and strong future. You can continue to expect our best efforts to turn not and forge forward. We have seen what happened to our city when the past held down the present only to inhibit future progress. The decision to not invest in Mount Vernon is being presented again by agents of the status quo. While we will keep our door open for budget discussions, we are concerned that our shared vision for a safe and strong city is being met with closed minds. We are out of time to allow our parks to remain shut and tolerate our kids falling behind. No more. It is time to stop letting the world pass us by and start leading toward greater economic gains for our City.
Originally Published in Westchester County Press — November 14, 2017
