PHILADELPHIA, PA – June 16, 2005 – City of Miami Mayor Manny Diaz was a featured speaker yesterday June, 15th at the University of Pennsylvania’s Annual Urban Leadership Luncheon. The forum, entitled “The Role of Mayors in Urban Transformation,” was hosted by the Penn Institute for Urban Research and sought to highlight successful urban mayors who have developed innovative solutions to long-standing problems.

Mayor Diaz was joined by Marc H. Morial, former Mayor of New Orleans, and Stephen Goldsmith, former Mayor of Indianapolis, on the panel discussion. “It is a wonderful honor to have been asked by the University of Pennsylvania to join such notable leaders as Mayor Morial and Mayor Goldsmith in a discussion of the issues facing American cities,” said Mayor Diaz . “By sharing ideas, problems and solutions we gain a greater perspective on what it takes to improve cities and make them successful. ” 

Mayor Diaz highlighted the ongoing transformation taking place in the City of Miami, speaking in detail about the steps taken to overhaul government by applying a private sector structure that promotes accountability and performance. He stressed fiscal responsibility, pointing to Miami ’s improved bond ratings, large reserves and commitment to lowering its mileage rate. The Mayor also discussed how political stability, reductions in poverty, crime and a focus on quality of life issues have served as catalysts for increased economic opportunity and neighborhood investment.

Mayor Diaz was recently appointed to the Advisory Board of the Penn Institute for Urban Research. The event, held at the Wharton School for Business, was attended by faculty, staff and students of the University of Pennsylvania as well as individuals from the broader Philadelphia community.