2017 PARCA Annual Meeting 

The heart of politics is the polis – the city.  From the Greek city-state to sprawling mega-cities, to small communities throughout Alabama, cities and towns are where we first experience democracy. There is a sense that local governments are the only governments that are really working right now. A recent book argues just this with the provocative title If Mayors Ruled the World.

PARCA’s 2017 Annual Meeting: The State of Our Cities will seek to better understand the concerns of our cities and towns, how state government can be an effective partner, and where local innovation is happening, both in and outside of Alabama. 

The meeting will include new research conducted by PARCA and insights of mayors throughout Alabama. We will hear how cities are addressing old challenges in new ways from Brittany Ramos DeBarros of Living Cities. Living Cities, funded by twenty-two of the largest foundations and financial institutions in the world, is committed to improving local communities and the lives of local residents. 

Mayor Tommy Battle (Huntsville), Mayor William Bell (Birmingham), Mayor Walter Maddox (Tuscaloosa), Mayor Mike Schmitz (Dothan), and Mayor Todd Strange (Montgomery) will join us for lively conversation and questions from the audience.  Governor Robert Bentley will give the luncheon address.

Ticket prices for the Annual Meeting at $75 and reserved tables of 10 are available for $800. Click on the link below to RSVP.

We look forward to seeing you on January 27th!