National League of Cities Proud to Support Mayor Castro and Secretary Donovan in New Leadership Roles within the Obama Administration

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May 23, 2014, 03:45 ET

WASHINGTON, May 23, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National League of Cities (NLC) offers its full support to San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro's nomination as the next Secretary for Housing and Urban Development. NLC also endorses current HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan's move to become the new director of the Office of Management and Budget.

In San Antonio, Mayor Castro has been a strong leader in creating economic opportunities for all his residents and a leading advocate for affordable housing. He is also a former member of the National League of Cities' Board of Directors who has participated in a variety of national initiatives led by NLC's Institute for Youth, Education, and Families. During Mayor Castro's tenure, San Antonio has developed innovative policies and programs in areas ranging from college access to early learning/preschool opportunities and family economic success that other cities have examined and sought to replicate. (These innovations will be highlighted next week in San Antonio when Mayor Castro hosts NLC's Education Policy Advisors Network, a convening of top education aides to mayors from many of the 75 largest cities across the U.S.)

"Mayor Castro has demonstrated excellent leadership in San Antonio. His perspective as a mayor will serve the nation well and assist the Department in its work with cities across the country," said Mayor Chris Coleman, Saint Paul, Minnesota and President of the National League of Cities.

Mayor Coleman continued, "I served with Mayor Castro on the National League of Cities' Board of Directors and am confident that his deep experience in city government will make him a valuable addition to the Administration. The League of Cities encourages the Senate to quickly act on Mayor Castro's nomination."

Regarding Secretary Donovan, Mayor Coleman said, "As the current HUD Secretary and a former local official responsible for creating and implementing plans to build and preserve affordable housing in New York City, Secretary Donovan has been a tireless supporter of cities and a champion for access to affordable housing. He deserves a great deal of credit for his work in helping the Northeast to rebuild after Hurricane Sandy. We are confident the Secretary will be an excellent director and will bring a local perspective to the position that will serve both OMB and the nation well."

The National League of Cities (NLC) is dedicated to helping city leaders build better communities. NLC is a resource and advocate for 19,000 cities, towns and villages, representing more than 218 million Americans.

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SOURCE National League of Cities