Cities for Action Announces new Co-Chairs Representing Over 150 Cities and Counties Across the United States

July 13, 2021

Co-Chairs from New York City, Chicago, and San Diego will lead national advocacy efforts to promote pro-immigrant policies at all levels of government to ensure a complete and equitable recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, and build stronger communities and economies for all

NEW YORK—Cities for Action (C4A) announced the appointment of national co-chairs Chicago and San Diego to join New York City in representing a coalition of localities across the country advocating for a just and humane immigration system that welcomes and supports immigrant communities.

“The Cities for Action coalition is on the front lines of our nation’s efforts to advance meaningful immigration reform and new pathways to citizenship. Now more than ever, we know that’s the key to growing our communities and building a recovery for all of us,” said New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio. “I am proud to welcome Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Mayor Todd Gloria as co-chairs and continue our work to welcome and protect immigrants across the country.”

“From working to realize immigration reform to strengthening local welcoming policies, the Cities for Action coalition has become a true champion of immigrant advancement,” said Chicago Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot. “I am thrilled to join Mayor Bill de Blasio and Mayor Todd Gloria in co-chairing C4A, and I look forward to working closely with them to advocate that much harder for an immigration system that reflects our values of equity and inclusion.” 

“It is an honor to be a co-chair on the Cities for Action coalition where San Diego can serve a crucial role in advocating for inclusive immigration policies while promoting equitable support systems for our City and the rest of the nation,” said San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria. “I am looking forward to the steps we will take in prioritizing compassionate and fair policies through this partnership.”

Cities for Action (C4A) was launched in December 2014 with just over two dozen mayors. Since then, the coalition has committed to a set of principles and actions to uplift immigrant and refugee residents, and to use this body and our bully pulpits to organize in support of immigration reform.

Over the years, cities and counties, big and small, across the country have recognized that immigrants are integral members of our communities – they are our teachers, co-workers, neighbors, and family members. And local leaders have seen that when our immigrant communities thrive, our cities and counties thrive, too. That is why, today, there are over 150 mayors and county executives who form the C4A coalition.

The importance of this coalition was cemented during four particularly challenging years of xenophobic, senseless attacks on our immigrant residents and our welcoming policies under the Trump administration. During this critical time, when a majority of Americans support humane immigration reform, C4A seeks to leverage our coalition to realize long-overdue immigration reform and ensure the advancement of local interests, as well as dignity, safety, and economic growth for our communities.

Specifically, C4A will advocate that the Biden-Harris administration and Congress:

• Partner with local leaders to support the successful economic, social, and civic integration of immigrant families;
• Address immigration barriers that marginalize immigrant residents, separate families, and limit our communities’ capacity to thrive;
• Respect local decision-making and expertise on public safety and health; and
• Recognize the role of local governments in upholding our nation’s values and in addressing global challenges.

C4A members have shown time and again commitment and resolve to fight on behalf of immigrant communities and to use their collective voice at the national level to advance the interests of cities and counties, and all the residents of our communities. Above all, they understand that to achieve the bold agenda we have set forward, we will need to organize together. The new co-chairs of C4A from Chicago, New York City, and San Diego are excited to lead this effort for pro-immigrant policies and programs that support and empower our localities to become even more inclusive, equitable, and civically engaged as they work to build a broken immigration system back better. 

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