The U.S. Department of State’s Assembly of Local Leaders welcomed members and reviewed its mission at its inaugural meeting. Special Representative for City and State Diplomacy Amb. Hachigian and Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Richard Verma spoke about subnational diplomacy and the Department’s advancement of a foreign policy for all Americans, highlighting how foreign policy and local international engagement has numerous and tangible benefits for local communities.
Local leaders shared their localities’ pressing priorities, challenges, and perspectives, specifically on international issues. Several mayors sought guidance on the Israel-Hamas conflict. Mayors also discussed how their cities have welcomed new arrivals as the United States has seen an increase in the number of refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants. There was broad consensus more resources are needed to help stem illicit fentanyl use, which has reached critical levels in local communities, and some mayors shared that local economies have been impacted by Chinese tariffs on U.S. agricultural exports.
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