Nation's Cities - November 21, 2011

Glaeser Speaks of the Strengths of Cities

by Cyndy Liedtke Hogan
Urban economist Edward
Glaeser told attendees of
the Congress of Cities and
Exposition that cities allow for
and encourage an exchange of
ideas that leads to growth.

Edward Glaeser discusses cities and economics during the closing general ses-
sion of the Congress of Cities in Phoenix./ Photo by Steve Schneider

ways from poverty in places like India and China.

Transportation and infrastructure investments allowed cities to be founded and grow throughout the nation.

“By bringing smart people
together in dense areas where
they can learn from one anoth-
er, miracles can occur,” he said.
“These miracles have been hap-
pening for thousands of years.”
Cities allow for an exchange
of ideas, Glaeser said.

see page 8, column 1

Auburn Mayor Wins WIMG Leadership Award

by Brenda Ramirez
Linda Blechinger, mayor, Auburn,
Ga., is the proud recipient of this year’s
Women in Municipal Government
(WIMG) Leadership Award, which was
presented at the Congress of Cities &
Exposition in Phoenix. The leadership
award recognizes and honors individual
female achievement in local government
and strives to promote and encourage
more women to run for elected munici-
pal office.

Auburn, Ga., Mayor Linda Blechinger accepting the 2011 WIMG Leadership Award during the
Congress of Cities and Exposition in Phoenix./ Photo by Steve Schneider

During the luncheon, all award finalists were recognized for their dedication to their communities and for being model public servants. Dr. Gloria H. Cuádraz, Associate Professor of Sociology at Arizona State University, delivered the luncheon’s keynote address.