Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke meets with Barack Obama

Friday, December 13, 2013

photo Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke meets with Barack Obama in this summer 2013 file photo.

Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke is among new mayors from across the country who are meeting with President Barack Obama today to talk about ways the Obama administration can actively support cities' efforts to create jobs and help middle class families.

"This is a great opportunity to highlight the important assets that create local jobs and strengthen Chattanooga's economy," Berke said a news release. "From our resurgence in manufacturing to our spirit of entrepreneurism spurred by the gigabit infrastructure, we are a city full of opportunity. I am excited to join a handful of Mayors from across the country to discuss the innovative ways we can build upon our successes."

Today's meeting with mayors complements the Obama administration's effort of the Administration "to partner with Mayors working to implement policies that lead to high-paying, high-skill jobs in their communities," a White House news release stated. "Mayors understand that smart investments in things like American manufacturing and infrastructure help provide good jobs for middle class families while providing a foundation for long-term economic success."

The following mayors and mayors-elect are expected to attend:

• Los Angeles, Calif., Mayor Eric Garcetti

• St. Petersburg, Fla., Mayor-elect Rick Kriseman

• Boston, Mass. Mayor-elect Martin Walsh

• Detroit, Mich., Mayor-elect Mike Duggan

• Minneapolis, Minn., Mayor-elect Betsy Hodges

• Jersey City, N.J., Mayor Steven Fulop

• New York, N.Y., Mayor-elect Bill de Blasio

• Rochester, N.Y., Mayor-elect Lovely Warren

• Charlotte, N.C., Mayor-elect Patrick Cannon

• Greensboro, N.C., Mayor Nancy Vaughan

• Cincinnati, Ohio, Mayor John Cranley

• Toledo, Ohio, Mayor-elect D. Michael Collins

• Harrisburg, Penn., Mayor-elect Eric Papenfuse

• Pittsburgh, Penn., Mayor-elect Bill Peduto

• Seattle, Wash., Mayor-elect Ed Murray