Box 18, Folder 22, Complete Folder

Box 18, Folder 22, Complete Folder

PROGRAM IDEAS FOR THE ALLIANCE

eA Peer
January 27, 1967

The Urban Alliance should engage in a broad range of programs
to gain public attention and support for the needs of urban areas. Many of
these programs should be specially designed to establish a liaison with a
specific group by stressing a community of interest with that group, thereby
drawing it into the Alliance. These programs will be aimed as much at
forming the Alliance as at furthering its objectives. For example:

(1) A conference on mass transit might be a vehicle
tor developing ties with the steel industry, the
space industry, the electronics industry, the
railroads.

(2) A broad-scale voter registration drive on a
national urban scale to insure greater partici-
pation in the democratic process might be
sponsored with civil rights groups, churches
and labor unions.

(3) A study group on the use of computers and
systems analysis to modernize governmental
operations might stimulate general support
among the business community.

(4) A joint project to develop new techniques of
housing rehabilitation might be undertaken
with the lumber industry.
Programs must also be developed which will define the long-range
goals of the Urban Alliance and which will focus attention on urban needs.
(1) A task force of Mayors could conduct on-site

inspections of the efforts of various cities to
deal with major problems. The inspection tour
PROGRAM IDEAS FOR THE ALLIANCE

er |
January 27, 1967
Page 2

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

(6)

would bring national attention to the ability

of cities to handle problems such as law
enforcement and urban renewal.

The Urban Economic Council could bring an
urban perspective to national economic policy
considerations and could help project the
needs of localities for financial assistance

for service programs and physical development
projecis.

A movie or television program could be designed
to emphasize the needs of cities as well as the
ability of cities to deal with their problems if
given adequate financial assistance. For ex-
ample, a tour of a blighted area in city #1

might be followed by a view of an urban renewal
project in a similar area in city #2; a description
of large-scale unemployment in city #2 might
then be followed by a tour of a manpower program
in city #1.

Conferences might be organized for Mayors and
deans of Schools of Public Administration to
discuss the multiplicity of demands on an urban
administrator.

A series of monographs might be produced on
various problems with case histories of the
different ways in which different cities have
dealt with the problem.

Magazine articles should be stimulated on
dramatic urban programs.
URBAN ALLIANCE

Agenda Paper No. l
January 27, 1967

The needs of our urban areas have been emphasized with increas-
ing intensity during the past year. There has been a continuing recitation of
the ills of our cities. Concern for the cities has been expressed by many
groups. But there has been no molding of such groups to obtain a strong,
unified voice, urging a national commitment to meeting these needs. Business
groups, Civil rights organizations, labor, religious institutions, and repre-
sentatives of local governments have expressed concern individually. They
have not collectively expressed the need for a national commitment to
meeting the problems of the cities.

It is proposed that Urban America serve as a catalyst in bringing
these groups together. The focal point is, of course, the Mayors, who are
responsible for the administration of America's cities. It is proposed, there-
fore, that Urban America proceed to hold a series of meetings between repre-
sentatives of the component groups of an Urban Alliance and a representative
group from the Ad Hoc Committee of Mayors. These meetings would be for
the purpose of developing an agenda for a national commitment to our cities.

Concurrent with the holding of these preparatory meetings between
the Mayors and each of the prospective components in the Alliance, will be
the preparation of specific staff work, including:

1. a delineation of the magnitude of urban needs

2. a recitation of the extent to which cities have
increased expenditures to meet these needs
URBAN ALLIANCE
Agenda Paper No. 1
January 27, 1967
Page 2

3. a description of those administrative and organiza-
tional innovations that cities have adopted in order
to meet the increased demand for services

4. a statement on the importance, efficacy, and accom-
plishments of existing urban programs

5. a preliminary agenda paper outlining the basic
élements of-a national commitment.

Urban America proposes that it proceed immediately to the prepara-
tion of the staff papers and that it initiate meetings between the Mayors and
representatives of groups who will compose the Urban Alliance.

Urban America also proposes that another meeting of the Ad Hoc
Committee of Mayors be scheduled in early spring to review the proposed

agenda for the Urban Alliance and to approve the next phase of operation.
URBAN ECONOMIC COUNCIL

Agenda Paper No. 2
January 27, 1967

The members of the Ad Hoc Committee of Mayors, at the meeting
held on January 9, 1967, agreed on the need for an Urban Economic Council.
The establishment of such a council would provide a means for examining
the impact of economic policy on urban areas, building an urban information
bank, and collecting data relating directly to urban area needs. In addition,
it would propose economic policies aimed at improving the urban economy.

Specifically, its functions would be: (1) to comment on the
urban impact of economic policy, (2) to evaluate the impact of monetary
and fiscal policy on the urban economy, (3) to study the multiplier effect
and economic value of urban development programs, and (4) to collect and
assess basic data necessary to make economic projections.

The Council itself would consist of three nationally-known
economists associated with institutions or organizations of some standing.

One staff economist, serving as an executive aide to the Council,
would be required to supervise the preparation of base papers and studies
and to deal directly with consultants and Council members, Data collection
could be handled through arrangements with an organization such as the
National Planning Association. Editing, publication, and distribution of
materials would be the responsibility of Urban America's Urban Information
Center.

The Urban Economic Council could be organized in two phases.

In the period January 27-March 1 (1967) the Council members would be named,
URBAN ECONOMIC COUNCIL
Agenda Paper No. 2

January 27, 1967

Page 2

the staff economist hired, and an initial meeting of the Council held. The
period March 1-June 1 (1967) would be used to complete an initial three-
month project and to develop a plan for one-year operation.

A Technical Advisory Committee would be established to guide
the development of the Council's program and to help select the members

of the Urban Economic Council.
January 20th

MEMORANDUM
TO: Ann
FROM: Dan

The Urban American meeting will include a luncheon at 12:30
Friday, January 27th at the Madison Hotel. Luncheon and session

following should be ofer no later than 4:30 pm.

Also ask Mr. Allen if he has seen any news articles about Steven

Currier and his wife being lost on airplane in the Bahamas.
URBAN AMERICA INC.
1717 Massachusetts Ave., N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20036
(202) 265-2224

William L. Slayton
Executive Vice President

January 20, 1967

fone ©
Dyn Sweat

The Honorable Ivan Allen, Jr.

Mayor of the City of Atlanta i
City Hall

Atlanta, Georgia

Dear Mr. Mayor:

In accordance with Mr. Stephen Currier's letter to you of
January 13, Iam enclosing a copy of the minutes of the
January 9, 1967, meeting of the Ad Hoc Committee of
Mayors.

Our January 27 meeting is set for 12:30 p.m. in the Mount
Vernon Room of the Madison Hotel in Washington, D.C. I
should appreciate it very much if you or one of your staff
members would notify Mr. Ron Linton of our office by Tues-
day, January 24, as to whether or not you plan to attend.
If it is possible at this time, please also list the names

of the people who will accompany you.

Mr. James W. Rouse, president of The Rouse Company in
Baltimore, will serve as chairman of the meeting, repre-

senting Urban America.
LL. yours,

William L. Sla
Executive (~ President

Enclosure
AD HOC COMMITTEE OF MAYORS

Minutes of Meeting
January 9, 1967

The first meeting of the Ad Hoc Committee of Mayors was called to
order by Mr. Stephen R. Currier at 10 a.m. on January 9, 1967, in the Board
Room sit Urban America. Participating in that meeting were Mayors Theodore R.
McKeldin of Baltimore, Thomas G. Currigan of Denver, Jerome P. Cavanagh
of Detroit, Robert King High of Miami, Henry W. Maier of Milwaukee, John Vv.
Lindsay of New York City, Joseph M. Barr of Pittsburgh, and Harold Tollefson
of Tacoma. Unable to attend were Mayors John F. Collins of Boston, Terry D.
Schrunk of Portland (Ore.), and John F.' Shelley of San Francisco. Unable to
attend, but represented by staff members, were Mayors Ivan Allen, Jr. of
Atlanta, Richard J. Daley of Chicago, Richard C. Lee of New Haven, and
James H. J. Tate of Philadelphia.

Mr. Currier opened the session by stressing the importance of ob-
taining a national commitment to meet urban needs. He outlined various needs
to be met: the need fora more JaraEiE mKERER of urban problems, the Axed
to tell the story of the performance of cities in the line of self help, the need
to gain a greater commitment for cities from Federal appropriations, the need
to mobilize support from a variety of interest groups (such as business, labor,
civil rights, education).

Mayor Lindsay emphasized the need for consolidation of existing

programs, rather than cutbacks on any of them. He said lack of financial

resources was crucial to the governing of cities.
AD HOC COMMITTEE OF MAYORS
Minutes of Meeting, January 9, 1967
Page 2

Mayor Cavanagh maintained that the Great Society programs them-
selves have been successful - the financing of the avagrenis has been the failure.
In any event, it would be "catastrophic" if any of these programs were cut back.

iiavyor Cavanagh noted that mayors were looked upon in Washington
as "specialsinterest pleaders." He suggested that Urban America be the catalyst
in putting together a national coalition for urban improvement and said hat the
elise of this initial meeting had been most helpful. Continuance of lobbying
by the U.S. Conference of Mayors and the National League of Cities is not
enough; a broad new coalition is needed (education, civil rights, labor, business).

Mayor Cavanagh also suggested the forming of a Council of Economic
Advisors for Cities to serve as an information resource to mayors. Such an
information bank would be drawn upon for discussion of Federal allocations to
cities and in the formation of alternatives to Federal economic policy.

Mayor McKeldin commented that money could solve most of Baltimore's
problems. He concurred with Mayor Lindsay's discouragement at the lack of
financial resources available to cities. In Baltimore, he explained, there is
only one form of taxation - the property tax; since many people are leaving the
city, this tax base is dwindling. The City is now fighting for a sayeatt tax,
though the people are against it,

Mayor Currigan said that transportation is one of the biggest problems
in Denver and that there is no alternative except public ownership. His city is
also pressed "to the wall" by the tax situation; Denver has a sales and a property

tax, but the State Constitution prohibits a much-needed income tax.
AD HOC COMMITTEE OF MAYORS
Minutes of Meeting, January 9, 1967
Page 3

Mayor Currigan stressed his hope that the mayors stay united in
their efforts. He was concerned that Urban America might begin competing with
the U.S. Conference of Mayors and the National League of Cities, the latter two
being "too splintered" already. He mentioned that time is a critical factor and
that he hoped this meeting could lead to a program of action.

Mr. Currier interjected a definition of Urban America's role in rela-
tion to the other groups. Urban America will act, he said, as a voice for citizens
groups (business, public, etc.).

Mayor High pointed up the misunderstanding on the part of the
public when it comes to urban programs and needs. “Somehow we have not
gotten across the role cities play, that the destiny of the country is wrapped up
in cities." The press makes a fetish of deprecating cities, and people look upon
the Great Society as a handout and react to it with horror.

Mayor Cavanagh commented that many people think cities aren't
imaginative when they must try to solve their own problems but that actually,
many imaginative programs translated into Federal legislation have originated
in cities (e.g. Model Cities, urban renewal, and the poverty program).

Mayor Tollefson warned against interpreting the last election to
mean there should be a cutback on Federal programs. He suggested the first
step be to present the problems to Congress and the second, telling people in >
cities that these programs are needed and good.

| Mayor Maier said it is imperative to tackle the problem of allocation

of resources and that the tactic of using a neutral force (Urban America) to project
AD HOC COMMITTEE OF MAYORS
Minutes of Meeting, January 9, 1967
Page 4

this agenda item is a good one. The National League of Cities has been con-
ducting an educational campaign on resources, but the League cannot do it
alone. A broad allfance of ad hoc groups and special task forces is needed.
This has been done in Milwaukee to organize forces in order to attack the state
legislature. He mentioned gratitude to Urban America for offering to take on
this task.

Mayor Barr said the greatest thing Urban America could do was to
get to people the mayors can't reach as easily (e.g. businessmen). As the
mayors' biggest enemy he cited columnists' interpretations of the elections.

Mr. Slayton directed the discussion to the method of forming a
national coalition with the following questions: should we plan a meeting with
mayors and the nation's top business leaders, civil rights leaders, etc.? should
Urban America undertake some special studies or publish some certain publica-
tions ?

Patrick Healy of the National League of Cities offered two suggestions
for relieving the financial burden on cities: (1) have the Federal Government
completely responsible for welfare (payments and administration), since itis a
national problem, and (2) have states completely responsible for schools and
education (60% of property taxes goes for welfare and schools).

He mentioned that we shouldn't ignore state action to meet urban
needs, saying that the U.S. Chamber of Commerce has been concerned over a
lack of state action in this area.

John Gunther of the U.S. Conference of Mayors emphasized the need

for a national organization of local groups.
AD HOC COMMITTEE OF MAYORS
Minutes of Meeting, January 9, 1967
Page 5

Mr. Gunther praised the idea of a Council of Economic Advisors
because of the need for solid information in the local government sector. He
suggested, ———s that the emphasis be placed on information-gathering
rather than on advising. He urged the systematic collection of information.

Mayor Cavanagh suggested that Urban America proceed along the
following lines: (1) start sounding out the national coalition idea - i.e.
investigate the mechanics of forming such a coalition, (2) study the possible
structure of a Council of Economic Advisors , (3) examine feasible ways of
establishing the credibility of urban leaders (emphasizing a new breed-of leader-
ship and narrowing of the credibility gap). In line with the latter, place
greater emphasis on programs considered good today and the source from which
they originated.

At the suggestion of Mayor Cavanagh, it was decided to hold
another meeting of the same group, to be held on January 27 (luncheon and an
afternoon meeting). It was also agreed that certain statements should be in-
cluded in any comments to press people: (1) that there are many other leaders
and interest groups in the country which the mayors propose to ask to join them
in articulating the needs of our urban areas, (2) that this was more than a meeting
to discuss ways of getting more Federal money, and (3) that it would be
catastrophic to cut back expenditures for current Federal programe.

The meeting was adjourned at 3 p.m. after final editing of the press

release. The next meeting will be held at 12:30 p.m. on January 27, 1967.


CITY HALL ATLANTA, GA. 30303

January 13, 1967

Tel. 522-4463 Area Code 404

IVAN ALLEN, JR., MAYOR

R. EARL LANDERS, Administrative Assistant
MRS. ANN M. MOSES, Executive Secretary
DAN E. SWEAT, JR., Director of Governmental Liaison

MEMORANDUM

To: Mayor Ivan Allen, Jr.
AY
From: Dan Sweat WO

Subject: Urban America Conference

Attached is a clipping from the Washington Post reporting on
the Mayors Conference which I attended for you in Washington
on Monday, January 9.

A follow-up meeting has been scheduled for noon on January 27,
Urban America is to:

1. Follow up on steps to form the coalition of Mayors and
other key groups such as business, labor, civil rights,
etc.

2. Explore means to structure an economic advisory board
for cities, possibly similar to the President's Council
of Economic Advisors for the Federal Government.

3. Make suggestions and recommendations toward a better
public relations program to make known the good things
cities are doing.

I would strongly urge that you attend the January 27 meeting if
at all possible, I feel that this group needs your personal
Mayor Allen
Page Two
January 13, 1967

assistance and that the City of Atlanta will benefit greatly from
your participation with this group.

I had an interesting conversation with Stephen Currier, President
of Urban America, while at the meeting. Mr. Currier said he
was anxious to come to Atlanta and get a chance to meet you and
that his organization intended to assist our housing efforts in some
significant way. Although he wasn't sure as to what form this
assistance would take he indicated very keen interest and the
desire that they do participate. As you know, Mr. Currier's
main occupation is giving away his money and I think we are in

an ideal position to offer our services in seeing that some of it
gets spent for the best possible good of mankind.

DS:fy
URBAN AMERICA INC.
1717 Massachusetts Ave., N.W.

Washington, D.C. 20036 January 13, 1967
(202) 265-2224

The Honorable Ivan Allen, Jr.
Mayor of the City of Atlanta
City Hall

Atlanta, Georgia

Dear Mr. Mayor:

I sincerely regret that circumstances prevented your
joining the mayors on January 9. I am grateful that
you were able to send a representative, who, I trust,
has informed you of what took place.

The meeting was most successful, and we agreed to
reconvene on January 27. At that time we expect to
consider steps to implement the mayors' requests for
establishment of an urban coalition and an urban
economic council. Background papers are now being
prepared.

You will be sent a copy of the Minutes of the Janu-
ary 9 meeting.

Arrangements have been made for a luncheon and after-
noon meeting in the Mount Vernon Room of the Madison
Hotel, beginning at 12:30 p.m. on January 27. It will
be my pleasure to have you as a guest for luncheon;

I look forward to seeing you then.

Sincerely yours,
Steplien R. Currier
President
NATIONAL LEAGUE OF CITIES

(Formerly American Municipal Association)

CITY BUILDING, 1612 K STREET, N.W., WASHINGTON, D. C., 20006





NATIONAL LEGISLATIVE BULLETIN

January 12, 1967
THE 90TH CONGRESS
The Tone ~ go slow

A cautious and conciliatory President Johnson presented his fifth State of the Union
message to Congress Tuesday night. The new Congress had already indicated its mood
by denying one of its members a seat and by selecting some conservatives for leader-
ship positions.

Congress responded quickly to the mild "Guns and Butter" Administration program. In

the face of a proposal to raise income taxes (less than enough to balance the budget)
prevailing Congressional attitude seemed to favor reducing the already minimal funding

of meny domestic programs, The recommended 6% income surtax received polite support at best.

Nevertheless, cities have reason to be cautiously optimistic, While neither the Pres-
ident's message nor the Congressional response represented a strong conviction that
there is urgency in attacking the obvious "Crisis of the Cities," the President did
state his support of a number of essential federal-urban programs,

e Mission - retreat and regroup
OP LE ES

As lawmakers returned to Washington they were admonished by Senate Majority Leader Mike
Mansfield not to anticipate many new Administration proposals but to concentrate on a
"major re-examination" of existing programs, This followed on the heels of demands by
Democratic Governors to slow the pace set by the 89th Congress.

The President agreed. As the first of his four steps "to carry forward our progress"
the President said, "We must see to it that these new programs work effectively...»
Every program will be thoroughly evaluated. Grant-in-aid programs will be improved
and simplified,..."

The President stated a frequently heard complaint that could further delay additional
federal commitments to meet urban area needs,

Each State, county and city needs to examine its capacity for government

in today's world. Some will need to reorganize and reshape their methods
of administration--as we are doing. Others will need to revise their con-
Stitutions and their laws to bring them up to date--as we are doing. Above
all, we must find ways in which the multitudes of small jurisdictions can
be brought together more efficiently.

The Commitment - "to continue to build a better America"
a ered

The President rededicated the Administration to the support of a number of programs of
‘mary interest to cities:

"I recommend we intensify our efforts to give the poor a chance to join

(over)
atm

; the Nation's progress...-I urge special methods and special funds to reach
Americans trapped in the ghettos of our cities = and through Head Start to
reach out to our young cnildren."

"We should transform our decaying slums into places of decency through the
landmark Model Cities Program. I intend to seek for this effort the full.
amount Congress authorized last year."

"We should call upon the genius of private industry and the most advanced
technology to help rebuild our cities."

"We should vastly expand the fight for clean air with a total attack on pol-
lution at its source..."

"We should carry to every corner of the Nation our campaign for a Beautiful
America - creating more narks, more seashores, and more open spaces...."

The Safe Streets and Crime Control Act of 1967 = the one major new proposal

In contrast to the rhetorical treatment of other 'rban problems and programs, the President
spelled out details of an "allout effort to attack crime." The President proposed federal
grants to state and local communities of

~90% of the cost of developing state and local plans to combat crime,

~60% of the cost of training new tactical units, developing instant
communications and special alarm systems, and introducing the latest
2quipment and techniques to combat crime,

-50% of the cost of crime laboratories and police academy-type centers
to assure the best-trained equipped police, and

"We will recommend new methods to prevent juvenile deliquents from be-
coming adult delinquents. We will seek new partnerships with States and
cities to deal with the narcotics problem-"

Congressional Leadership Shifts
In the Senate, conservative Robert C. Byrd (D-W.Va.) defeated Pennsylvania liberal Joseph
S, Clarke by a vote of 35-28 for the position of Secretary of the Senate Democratic Con-
ference, the third-ranking Democratic leaaership position in the Senate.

California’s conservative junior Senator, George Murphy, defeated Hugh Scott, Pennsylvania
moderate, for chairmanship of the Republican Senatorial Campaign Committee.

The death of Rep. John E. Fogarty (D-R.I.) on the opening day represents a severe blow to
supporters of health legislation. Forgary has been chairmen of the House Appropriations
Subcommittee on Labor, Health, Education and Welfare.

Rep. Carl D. Perkins (D-Ky.) succeeds Adam Clayton Powell (D-N.Y.) as chairman of the House
Education and Labor Committee. Perkins has been a strong supporter of Administration leg-
islation during the 89th Congress.