Amongst other things, the COVID-19 pandemic highlights the importance of local government and the critical need for effective leadership. When unforeseen events happen, local leaders have to make sure basic needs and services for all residents are readily available and accessible. As the nation breathes a collective sigh of relief for the financial aid that is going to be delivered to America’s cities, towns and villages, we want to ensure that city planning efforts and budgets reflect the comprehensive needs of young children. In the coming months, it will be imperative to continue to coordinate governmental responses beginning with addressing the needs of the most vulnerable, including infants and toddlers.
Part of the State and Local Government Prenatal-to-Three Collaboration in Action Series, a joint effort between the National League of Cities (NLC), National Association of Counties Research Foundation (NACoRF), and the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL); the Fireside Chat will showcase how the collective role of government is vital in advancing prenatal-to-three efforts as local leaders re-imagine equitable systems with young children top of mind.
The meeting opened with testimonials from:
- Alderman Cavalier Johnson, City of Milwaukee
- Councilmen Zeke Cohen, City of Baltimore
- Councilwoman Teresa Mosqueda, City of Seattle
Moderator:
- Tonja Rucker, NLC
Panelist:
- Mayor Tom Barret, City of Milwaukee
- County Executive David Crowley, Milwaukee County
- Bethany Rasmussen, Chief of Staff, Senator Joan Ballweg, Wisconsin’s 14th Senate District
Original event date: 03/16/2021