Days before the official presidential transition of power, leaders from all across the U.S. descended upon D.C. not for the inauguration, but the U.S. Conference of Mayors 93rd Winter Meeting, held at the Marriott Marquis in Northwest Jan. 17-19.
Among the many mayors was Montgomery, Alabama’s Steven Reed (D), who was elected in 2019. The first African American elected to the position, Reed made it a point to connect with officials from the then-Trump administration to get more resources for his city.
As a result, he became a regular at meetings sponsored by organizations such as the U.S. Conference of Mayors and the African American Mayors Association (AAMA). At those meetings, Reed had the chance to interact with Trump, and then after with Biden administration officials to learn about their policies and to network.
During the winter meeting, Reed had the chance to talk with leaders of the outgoing Biden administration and experts of the second Trump administration to find out about programs that are in place and what the new president’s agenda is.
“This is a great conference, and I am glad I am here,” Reed, 50, who serves as the president of the AAMA, said. “I learned a lot about the infrastructure bill that was supported by Biden, and I am already thinking how that will benefit my residents. I am approaching this administration with the goal of advocating for my residents.”
Black Mayors on Trump
On the eve of the change of administrations, Black mayors talked to The Informer about how they plan to interact with Trump, even if the president’s agenda is not always comparable to theirs.
Reed said it was important for mayors to approach the incoming administration with an open mind.
“Local, state and federal officials must work together,” he said. “I want to make sure that it is a win-win for everyone.”
Like Reed, Cavalier Johnson (D) is the first Black elected mayor of his city: Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and won a special election in 2022 for the position.
Johnson has the experience of dealing with high-level members and leaders of the Republican Party, coordinating with the party for the presidential convention that took place in his city from last July, in which Trump was nominated for president for the third consecutive time.
“Let me make it clear that I was a firm supporter of Joe Biden,” Johnson, 38, said. “Even after Biden had the terrible debate performance, I stood by him until he decided to step aside. Then I worked hard for [Vice President Kamala] Harris to win Wisconsin. However, I worked with the Republican Party to make sure that they had a safe convention. I wanted the world to see that Milwaukee is a great place to visit and move to.”
Johnson said he wants to work with the Trump administration, particularly regarding affordable housing.
“That is an area where I think we can coordinate,” he said. “I have had so many people come up to me and say they love the culture and flavor of Milwaukee, but housing is too expensive. Our housing costs are comparable to New York City. I really supported Harris’ idea of building millions of units of housing. But I will advocate that Trump invest in more housing.”
Affordable housing is also an issue for Waterloo Iowa Mayor Quentin Hart. However, for Hart, a Democrat, who became Waterloo’s first Black mayor in 2015, assistance and support from the Trump administration in such areas as fighting crime, gun violence and affordable childcare is a top priority.
“My phone is always open,” said Hart, 53. “I have made it a point to meet with federal agency department heads and congressional leaders, whether it was with the Trump or Biden administrations. It is important that as a mayor, I build connections. There are no Republican potholes or Democratic potholes, just potholes that need to be fixed.”
Colorado Springs, Colorado Mayor Yemi Mobolade is the first Black and non-Republican to serve in that position. Elected in 2023, Mobolade said he will use his political outlier status to his advantage when dealing with the Trump administration.
“That is why it pays to be an independent,” said Mobolade, 45. “My independent nature pans out. My independence helps me make the best decisions for the city.”
Mobolade has a slightly different view of the Trump administration’s position on mass deportations than his colleagues who have more progressive views. He points out that illegal immigrants, especially those with criminal records, will be the focus of the deportations.
“Where some people see a lot of fear and concern, I see hope,” Mobolade said of the Trump administration. “I see a lot of opportunities.”