U.S. Reps. Robin Kelly, Dan Kildee host Future of America’s Cities and Towns roundtable at SSMMA

Congresswoman Robin Kelly and Congressman Dan Kildee of Flint MI hosted a forum May 14 at SSMMA offices as part of their “The Future of America’s Cities and Towns” initiative. The roundtable was one of many in a national discussion on how older, industrial communities are facing great fiscal stress due to extreme austerity measures that have reduced public services such as emergency police, fire services and trash collection. The goal was to hear from elected officials about the challenges and solutions that face suburban America. This forum was the first in the series that was held outside of Washington D.C. In addition to Kelly and Kildee, panelists included Park Forest Mayor John Ostenburg, Lynwood Mayor Gene Williams, IL Rep. Will Davis and CMAP Principal Policy Analyst Elizabeth Schue. Please click

here for a related press release from Rep. Kelly, here for a story in the Tribune/Daily Southtown, or here to watch a live streaming Facebook video of the event. More photos are here.