‘Partnerships’ is the word for municipalities these days

According to unofficial counts, around 1,250 city officials and their staffs gathered last weekend in Alexandria for the 72nd annual conference of the Louisiana Municipal Association, whose theme, “Cities Mean Business,” was meant to encourage better economic competitiveness among cities and towns. LED Secretary Stephen Moret spoke about partnerships between municipalities and the state in helping attract and retain businesses, and introduced the Development Ready Communities Program, which helps cities deploy better economic development strategies. The new program will select eight pilot cities or parishes by the end of September. Much of the conference discussion centered on the pesky financial issues many cash-strapped cities face. “The downturn is a big one, since federal and state governments tend to push cuts down to us at the local level,” LMA Executive Director Tom Ed McHugh says. In addition, the issue of absorbing benefits for the expanding population of retirees continues to loom. “Retirement benefits are escalating at a rapid pace and even though you try to account for them in the budget process, long-term answers aren’t available yet,” McHugh adds. “The issue will be in the mix for while.” The annual conference moves to New Orleans in 2010. — Maggie Heyn Richardson