The City of Mesa Welcomes National League of Cities Centennial ‘Roadshow’

August 27, 2024 at 2:44 pm

Mesa welcomed today the National League of Cities (NLC) Centennial Roadshow: 100 Years, 100 Cities. This initiative is part of NLCs year-long celebration, marking a century of commitment to advancing local government and advocating for the interests of cities, towns and villages nationwide. During the roadshow stop in Mesa, NLC members learned about Mesas public safety and economic development initiatives through visits to the Citys Real Time Crime Center and The Mesa Business Builder.

I am honored that Mesa participated in the NLC Centennial Roadshow, highlighting our Citys dedication to fostering economic growth and ensuring public safety, said Mesa Councilmember and NLC Board Member Mark Freeman. This event is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the innovative initiatives like the Real Time Crime Center and our Mesa Business Builder that are helping us build a thriving, secure community.

The Real Time Crime Center (RTCC) is a crucial hub for public safety in Mesa. This advanced operations center uses cutting-edge software and technology to enhance crime prevention, facilitate quick criminal identification and apprehension, and improve public safety. By integrating tools such as Live911, automated police vehicle locator (AVL), and city-owned CCTV cameras, the RTCC provides real-time situational awareness and critical information to first responders, ensuring effective and efficient police service.

The Mesa Business Builder provides a comprehensive suite of services for entrepreneurs and small business owners, including access to business guides, counseling agencies, financial assistance, and more through the website MesaBusinessBuilder.com. Additionally, Mesa Business Builder @ The Studios, a 17,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art space in downtown Mesa, offers a modern, multi-use venue with free access to technology and resources to help the business community thrive. These initiatives highlight Mesas commitment to creating a safe and prosperous community where economic growth and public safety are fundamental to the Citys quality of life.

It is truly an honor for NLC to visit remarkable municipalities, like Mesa, that have made significant contributions to the advancement of local government over the past 100 years, said Clarence Anthony, CEO and Executive Director of the National League of Cities. Each of these cities has played a pivotal role in moving our local communities forward and has a unique story that showcases transformative change. As we celebrate and chart a course for the next 100 years, I am more excited than ever for the future of cities, towns, and villages and look forward to continuing important work together.

The roadshow, organized by NLC, includes stops at 100 cities in every region of the country, aimed at spotlighting the diversity, resilience, and transformation of Americas local communities. The roadshow kicked off in February at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kansas, where NLC was founded. Over the next several months, the roadshow will tour coast-to-coast, stopping in cities of all sizes to showcase the unique stories of municipalities like the City of Mesa.

As the journey progresses, the roadshow will continue making stops in cities across the country, including Tampa, Florida, where NLC will host its annual City Summit conference and culminating event this November.

For more information about the roadshow or to learn more about NLCs centennial events or initiatives, visit nlc100.org.