In June, I had the opportunity to attend the U.S. Conference of Mayors’ (USCM) conference in Tampa, Florida. USCM plays a vital role in helping cities, including Alexandria, tackle complex challenges by providing a collaborative platform where mayors exchange ideas and best practices. 

 

As federal infrastructure initiatives and requirements are updated by the Trump Administration, local governments like ours face decisions about whether and how to revise existing grant agreements. I was invited to share with USCM attendees how Alexandria is approaching these changes and evaluating options without delaying the momentum of local transportation and flood mitigation.

 

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is coming to the United States next year. Alexandria has been selected as an official Team Base Camp destination for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™, hosting Al Ain FC, one of the top clubs from the United Arab Emirates. The team will stay and train in Alexandria between their matches in Washington, DC. At the USCM, I shared how this selection places Alexandria on the international sports stage, positioning us a welcoming and strategically located destination for sporting events.

 

The opportunity to engage in conversations like these helps to showcase our city as a great place to live, work and visit. Participation in the USCM ensures that Alexandria is not only keeping pace with national trends and policy but actively shaping them.