Tempe, Arizona

I just got back from Tempe, Arizona on Sunday after attending the Leadership Training Institute's Affordable Housing Conference. The meeting was great and had a lot of good information. The attendees really seemed to get a lot out of the sessions and I don't think there could have been a better line-up of nationally known speakers. Henry Cisneros was probably the best known, but all the speakers added a great deal to the meeting. Barb Carter, a councilwoman from Tempe did a nice job of hosting and we really got to see the city and a lot of the sights. The NLC staff did a great job as usual. I don't think we realize how many details are involved putting on a meeting such as this.

I was pleasantly surprised to be presented with several proclamations joining the Inclusive Communities Program. Kirkwood, MO, Tempe, AZ and Walterboro, SC all joined up. I think we will soon reach 100 communities.

Immigration is certainly an issue in Arizona. Lots of news coverage and lots of discussion.

Weather was HOT!!!! I guess that this week is going to hit the 100's. The outdoor lunches were really interesting when the silverware was so hot it was hard to pick up. I don't know how you would ever get used to it, but I guess lots of people do.

Got to see a young lady who used to work for Region VI Planning and Development Council and the City of Fairmont. Her name is Amy Arco and she is the City Planner for Maricopa, Arizona. It is a brand new town and is one of the fastest growing in the United States. Amy is from Harrison County and I have known her family for several years. She seems to be happy in Arizona and I know she is doing a great job for her city.

I had great flights both coming and going. Its not bad to travel when everything works out.