African American Mayors Association

06/01/2026

The African American Mayors Association and mayors from more than 50 cities are calling on corporate America to stand publicly for voting rights, fair representation, and democratic participation following the Supreme Court’s ruling in Louisiana vs. Callais, which signifantly alters the landmark Voting Rights Act of 1965.

“We are witnessing a targeted, systematic effort to roll back rights and freedoms that our ancestors fought and died to secure,” said AAMA President and Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott.

In an open letter, AAMA warned that attacks on fair representation do not just impact elections. They directly affect affordable housing, public safety, infrastructure, workforce development, maternal health, youth opportunity, and economic growth in communities across the country.

“When the residents we serve lose meaningful representation in Congress and state legislatures, our communities lose far more than a political voice. They lose federal and state partners on affordable housing production, public safety investment, infrastructure modernization, workforce development, maternal health, youth opportunity, and small business growth,” the letter said.

AAMA is also convening mayors and corporate partners to strengthen nonpartisan voter education, civic engagement, and community conversations around election security and voting rights.

Read letter here: https://ourmayors.org/letters/african-american-mayors-association-mayors-across-the-country-join-growing-calls-for-corporate-america-to-help-protect-voting-rights-and-fair-representation-in-communities-2/

06/01/2026

AAMA President and Baltimore, MD Mayor Brandon M. Scott, Memphis, TN Mayor Paul Young, and Durham, NC Mayor Leo Williams joined global leaders and innovators from cities across six continents at Bloomberg CityLab 2026 in Madrid, Spain in April.

More than 1,000 mayors, policymakers, creatives, and civic leaders convened to explore solutions to shared urban challenges. Hosted by Bloomberg Philanthropies and the Aspen Institute, the summit focused on issues including artificial intelligence, housing affordability, economic resilience, and strengthening trust in government through local leadership.

During the summit, Mayor Scott participated in "The Housing Paradox," a featured plenary panel discussion that was moderated by Jenn White of NPR’s 1A. The conversation explored how global cities are grappling with affordability and housing inventory. Mayor Scott highlighted Baltimore’s long-standing struggles with redlining and outlined "Reframe Baltimore," a block-by-block, 13-year strategy utilizing tech, data, and community-based partnerships to eradicate vacant homes.

Mayors Young and Williams particiapted in workshop on the question "How Would You Respond to an AI Interruption?" led by Aspen Institute's Kieran Blanks. Photos courtesy of Blanks.

05/25/2026

Today, we honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Their sacrifice helped secure the freedoms and opportunities we continue to fight for in our communities every day. The African American Mayors Association remembers, honors, and thanks our fallen heroes this Memorial Day.

05/21/2026

The African American Mayors Association applauds the U.S. House for the passage of the 21st Century Road to Housing Act, a significant bipartisan step toward addressing the nation’s growing housing affordability crisis.

05/14/2026

Twelve cities.

Three urgent environmental challenges.

One clear reality: Black mayors are leading with action.

The African American Mayors Association and the Community Data Health Initiative have recognized the 2026 CDHI Top 12 AAMA Cities to Watch on Environmental Health for innovative work addressing air quality, extreme heat, and lead service line replacement.

From Little Rock, AR to Mount Vernon, NY, these cities are using data, partnerships, infrastructure investment, and community-centered leadership to tackle some of the most pressing public health challenges facing America’s neighborhoods.

The initiative, developed in partnership with the Environmental Defense Fund, the Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University, and Meharry Medical College, highlights cities moving beyond conversation and into measurable action.

These mayors are building healthier, more resilient communities block by block and policy by policy.

Read more from Smart Cities Dive:

AAMA and the Community Data Health Initiative are highlighting municipalities using data, partnerships and targeted infrastructure strategies to address heat, pollution and lead risks.

05/12/2026

Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin is a family man. Raised in a household that spanned four generations, Mayor Woodfin said lessons learned from his great grandmother on the front porch helped make him a better leader.

Listen to his story on Our Mayor’s Breaking it down on our YouTube channel, at OurMayors.org, or wherever you get your podcasts.

05/04/2026

Building generational wealth requires more than good intentions. It requires structure, access, and leadership.

Through the Economic Mobility Leadership Institute (EMLI), the African American Mayors Association is supporting Black-led cities in creating real pathways to long-term financial stability.

The Estate Planning Module is an 8-week effort designed to help mayors connect residents with essential tools like wills, insurance, and trusted legal guidance.

By bringing together local leaders, legal experts, and insurance providers, this work helps families take practical steps toward protecting what they’ve built and planning for what comes next. Participants leave with more than information—they leave with a legally binding will and an insurance plan in place.

This is how cities help turn stability into legacy.

05/01/2026

We cannot talk about public safety without talking about the safety of those elected to lead.

On the latest episode of Our Mayors Breaking it Down Memphis Mayor Paul Young talks about the growing threats facing mayors across the country—and what it means to govern while protecting your family, your team, and your city.

This episode goes beyond headlines, examining how political climate, social media, and escalating rhetoric are reshaping the risks of public service.

Watch on our YouTube Channel, or listen at our website, ourmayors.org, or wherever you get your podcasts.

05/01/2026

We cannot talk about public safety without talking about the safety of those elected to lead.

On the latest episode of Our Mayors Breaking it Down Memphis Mayor Paul Young talks about the growing threats facing mayors across the country—and what it means to govern while protecting your family, your team, and your city.

This episode goes beyond headlines, examining how political climate, social media, and escalating rhetoric are reshaping the risks of public service.

Watch on our YouTube Channel, or listen at our website, OurMayors.org, or wherever you get your podcasts.