Mayor Kenney Participates in “Mayor Exchange” Program in Puerto Rico
From May 23-24, Mayor Kenney will join a delegation of mainland mayors to tour the island and learn about ongoing recovery and economic development efforts
PHILADELPHIA – Today, Mayor Kenney traveled to Puerto Rico to participate in a two-day Mayor Exchange program led by the Open Society Foundations. A partnership between U.S. mainland mayors and Puerto Rico’s mayors, the Exchange seeks to improve the capacity of and resources available to Puerto Rico’s cities by matching them with U.S. mainland cities for exchange of knowledge and support.
The Mayor Exchange is designed to help mayors share ideas, expertise and lessons learned from recovery efforts. Mainland mayors expect to gain a deeper awareness of Puerto Rico’s existing rebuilding needs and ongoing economic development initiatives. By participating in the Exchange, Puerto Rico’s mayors will foster relationships with mainland mayors, giving them a direct line to call for advice and consultation to address fiscal, economic, and rebuilding challenges.
“I look forward to meeting Mayor Carmen Yulín Cruz and learning about the progress made in San Juan, as well as the recovery challenges that remain,” said Mayor Jim Kenney. “Puerto Rico has been through so much in the past eight months, and it’s important for local leadership and residents to know that the City of Philadelphia is committed to supporting their recovery. I also appreciate this unique opportunity to collaborate with and learn from all the participants who understand the unique challenges mayors face.”
Open Society President Patrick Gaspard applauded the effort and urged leaders across the country to stand with Puerto Rico. “The federal government has let our neighbors languish in darkness, dislocation and despair. We are better than this. I am thrilled to see so many mayors eager to share their knowledge and experience with their counterparts on the island. This kind of collaboration reminds us what we are capable of, when we set politics aside, reach out our hands and help each other.”
As part of the exchange, Philadelphia will host Mayor Yulín Cruz and her staff in Philadelphia later this year to share best practices on disaster preparedness, resiliency planning, and economic development. The City has been a member of the Greater Philadelphia Long Term Recovery Committee (GPLTRC), a coalition designed to help residents of Puerto Rico who’ve relocated to the Philadelphia area (whether temporarily or permanently) as a result of Hurricane Maria devastating the island in September 2017.