WASHINGTON – On his last business day in the White House, President Joe Biden told mayors that investments his administration made will continue to help cities thrive for years to come.
“When we act together there’s not a damn thing we can’t do. In America, anything is possible,” he told the U.S. Conference of Mayors, which represents 1,400 cities.
Despite Biden’s sanguine pitch to cities, some of the mayors were concerned that President Donald Trump, whose political base is rural areas, would stop federal funds from continuing to flow to cities.
In his final speech as president, Biden reflected on the last four years, which began during the pandemic, and his accomplishments with America’s mayors.
Biden began his presidency with the Build Back Better Act which provided a million affordable housing units. Biden’s 2022 Inflation Reduction Act aimed to spend $780 billion through 2031. helping to bolster America’s economy.
“Four years later our nation and our cities emerged stronger,” Biden told the mayors.
In 2021, President Biden also signed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, authorizing more than a trillion dollars for transportation and infrastructure spending. That same year, according to The Tax Policy Briefing Book, local governments received $133 billion directly from the federal government.
“One of the most important decisions that I made was to send money directly to you,” Biden said. “You, [mayors], control the outcome.”
Mayors agreed that the Biden administration had benefited cities.
“We saw such incredible commitment to cities across America from this administration,” said Salem, Mass. Mayor Dominick Pangallo. “As a mayor, to see him departing by reminding us about all that has been done…[and the] strong foundation that has been laid has been really powerful.”
There is “tremendous uncertainty” as the Trump administration enters the White House, said San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, second vice president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors.
“Mayors are the front line of holding our communities together,” said Tim Keller, mayor of Albuquerque, N.M., a Democrat. “[Biden’s] message was wonderfully positive but I think underneath it is some anxiety about what might be happening in our cities because of the transition [between presidents].”
In his first day in office, President Trump signed an executive order pausing the disbursement of any federal funds and placing federally funded programs in cities at risk.
But some mayors were upbeat about Trump’s presidency.
Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt, vice president of the Conference of Mayors and a Republican, echoed those sentiments, adding he is “pretty excited” to work with Scott Turner, the nominee to lead the Department of Housing and Urban Development. “We don’t care about parties,” he said.
In his parting address, Biden highlighted how investment in America during his presidency will have long lasting effects that will save Americans money, create new jobs, and grow communities.
Biden also touched on other important topics such as women’s rights and climate change.
“The equal rights amendment is the law of the land now!” he said. “The 28th amendment to the Constitution, now!”
“I think jobs when I hear climate,” the President said.
Biden concluded his speech with a message of encouragement. He described how the “magic of America” makes way for one thing: possibility. “Our cities are places for a second chance,” he told the mayors.
“Keep working together,” Biden said. “We need you, we need you, we need you.”
