Riverside Mayor Ron Loveridge was elected National League of Cities (NLC) president on Saturday, Nov. 14, becoming California’s first NLC president since 1974. The election was held at the close of the organization’s annual meeting this year in San Antonio, TX.
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(from left to right) League Executive Director Chris McKenzie, League Immediate Past President and Rolling Hills Estates Mayor Judy Mitchell, League Second Vice President and Mountain View City Council Member Mike Kasperzak, League First Vice President and Modesto Mayor Jim Ridenour, and NLC President and Riverside Mayor Ron Loveridge. |
First elected to the Riverside City Council in 1979, Loveridge has served as the city’s mayor since 1994. He was elected for his fifth term in the office on Tuesday, Nov. 3.
The Riverside mayor brings a unique resume to the office of NLC president. Loveridge is a political scientist who spent his career at the University of California, Riverside, teaching students about local government. Long active on the League of California Cities’ board of directors, Loveridge served as president from 2003-2004.
NLC has a sizable agenda in the coming year. The Obama Administration made the director of intergovernmental affairs a cabinet-level position which means that NLC is even more engaged in important issues effecting cities such as economic development, energy efficiency and infrastructure.
“In the past we’ve said don’t take money, funds or programs away from cities — cities want to be at the table. Now we are at the table and there to help shape national decisions,” says Loveridge. “Cities shouldn’t be seen as another pleader [in Washington, D.C.] but as the place where most of the population lives.”
Loveridge believes that cities are integral to the nation’s economic recovery from the worst downturn since the Great Depression. Because of the enormity of California’s losses, our cities’ experiences, Loveridge advises, can provide lessons for the state and the entire nation as the economy begins to recover.
“This year, California is in a position to lead on many issues and make a significant difference both for our residents and the nation as a whole,” says League Executive Director Chris McKenzie. “Ron Loveridge’s insight, experience and determination are a major asset in the effort to get our economy back on its feet and set a new course for the future. He is definitely the right leader for NLC at this time of incredible opportunity and challenge. California and the nation are fortunate to benefit from his service to NLC.”
