Caddo Nation Chairman Bobby Gonzalez was among the select group of leaders invited to participate in the Mayors' Institute on City Design (MICD) special session held in Albuquerque, New Mexico from September 4-7, 2024.
Chairman Gonzalez expressed that he was honored to attend the session alongside Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt, who is a member of the Osage Nation. Together, they represented Oklahoma and brought important Indigenous perspectives to the gathering.
This unique meeting brought together mayors and tribal leaders to discuss urban design challenges facing both cities and Native communities. Chairman Gonzalez and Mayor Holt joined other leaders from cities like Albuquerque, Flagstaff, and Gresham to share insights and explore solutions.
The session focused on key themes including housing and economic development, cultural continuance, and climate change resilience. As tribal leaders, Chairman Gonzalez and Mayor Holt offered valuable perspectives on how these issues impact Native nations and urban Indigenous populations.
By including tribal leadership alongside city mayors, the MICD session aimed to foster collaboration and bridge gaps between municipal and tribal jurisdictions. The participation of both Chairman Gonzalez and Mayor Holt highlights the importance of Indigenous voices in conversations about the future of American cities and communities.
The Mayors' Institute on City Design, a leadership initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts and the United States Conference of Mayors, has been bringing together mayors and design experts since 1986 to tackle urban planning challenges. This special session represents an expansion of that mission to include tribal leaders as key stakeholders in discussions about sustainable, equitable community development.
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