April 29, 2002

Binghamton (NY) Mayor Richard A. Bucci has hailed his city's recent "Environmental Project of the Year Award" by the American Public Works Association. The award—given for an $11.5 million rehabilitation of the city's Water Filtration Plant—promotes excellence in management and administration of public works projects.

Houston has been selected as the site for a new North American Technology Center by J.P. Morgan Chase. Houston Mayor Lee Brown cites the new business as evidence that his city is becoming even a better place to do business. The mayor cites some statistics such as the fact that the city's housing costs are 40 percent below the average of 22 large U.S. metro areas, and that the overall cost of living is 17 percent below the average of the same areas.

Reno Mayor Jeff Griffin has announced he will not seek a third term this year. Griffin is a member of the Advisory Board of the Conference of Mayors and chairs the Criminal and Social Justice Committee, leading the Conference's advocacy efforts in maintaining federal funds for law enforcement and other public safety issues.

District of Columbia Mayor Anthony A. Williams drew attention to environmental priorities in the nation's capital April 22nd during local events celebrating Earth Day. Mayor Williams heralded the pending cleanup of parts of the Anacostia River, ceremoniously planted a tree in a local "rain garden."