African American Mayors Association

07/20/2026

Congratulations to AAMA Second Vice President and Greenville, Mississippi Mayor Errick D. Simmons on being named one of Mississippi’s Most Influential African Americans for 2026.

This well-earned recognition reflects Mayor Simmons’ steadfast commitment to public service, visionary leadership and creating lasting opportunities for the people of Greenville and communities across the nation. His leadership continues to make a meaningful impact both at home and through his service to the African American Mayors Association.

Please join us in congratulating Mayor Simmons on this outstanding honor.

07/17/2026

Building community starts with leadership that listens, collaborates and delivers.

Join AAMA President Emeritus Mayor Van R. Johnson II at the NAACP National Convention for an Advocacy Forum on “Building Community Power: Lessons from Frontline Leaders.”

Hear firsthand insights on strengthening communities, advancing equity and leading through today’s most pressing challenges.

🗓 July 20 | 2:00 p.m.
📍 McCormick Place | Chicago, IL

If you’re attending the NAACP National Convention, don’t miss this important conversation.

07/11/2026

The African American Mayors Association (AAMA) today welcomed the enactment of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, calling it the most significant bipartisan federal housing legislation in decades, an important step toward addressing America’s housing affordability crisis, expanding the housing supply, and creating new pathways to homeownership for working families and historically underserved communities.

“For years, mayors across the country have been on the frontlines of a growing housing emergency with limited federal tools to meet the scale of the challenge,” said AAMA President and Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “With the enactment of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, Congress has delivered a meaningful step forward in federal housing policy for the first time in a generation. This legislation begins to match the urgency cities have been facing every day.”

The legislation includes provisions to increase housing supply, modernize federal housing programs, and expand access to manufactured housing, key priorities identified by local leaders grappling with rising costs and limited inventory.

AAMA also pointed to provisions aimed at curbing the growing role of institutional investors in the single-family housing market, which has contributed to rising costs and reduced access to homeownership in many communities, and which AAMA has previously pointed to as an essential portion of the legislation.

07/10/2026

We’re thrilled to announce our first set of panelists for the webinar launch of the City Clean Air Hub, coming up on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at 1:00 PM ET / 10:00 AM PT. We look forward to hearing from:
· Mayor Donya L. Sartor, PhD., City of Jonesboro GA - Government
· Mayor Roderick D. Hampton, Haynesville, LA
· Trisha Stein, Chief Strategy Officer, Detroit, MI

Each of these panelists represent cities that have made cutting air pollution a top priority. We’re excited to learn from their on-the-ground experience on what has worked, overcoming challenges, and how resources like the City Clean Air Hub can help.

Thank you to our fellow CDHI collaborators, Environmental Defense Fund, Data-Smart City Solutions, and Meharry Medical College, for making this work possible.

Register to join us here: https://edf.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_98OhtZmpRzuY_oSVSfYrKA

07/07/2026

Economic mobility doesn’t happen by chance. It happens when local leaders have the tools, partnerships and strategies to turn ideas into action.

The Economic Mobility Leadership Institute has now engaged 38+ cities nationwide, helping mayors develop locally tailored plans that expand homeownership, protect family assets, strengthen financial capability and build generational wealth.

When cities invest in economic mobility, communities are stronger for generations.

The numbers tell an important story.

Following participation in EMLI:
✔️ 97% of participants said they were more likely to create or update a will.
✔️ 62% felt better equipped to make wealth management decisions.
✔️ 52% said they were more likely to plan financially before purchasing a home.

“From concept to a thriving initiative, the EMLI program has demonstrated meaningful impact in communities nationwide. At AAMA, we are proud to be at the forefront of advancing generational wealth and supporting leaders in creating lasting change.” —AAMA CEO Phyllis Dickerson

Read the report here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FyxZqq3OSSgVCGT7CEnVfdf_fm_JmtO1/view

07/04/2026

As we celebrate the country’s 250th Independence Day, the African American Mayors Association honors the promise of America and the generations of leaders who have worked to make that promise more real for every community.

Across the country, our mayors are strengthening neighborhoods, expanding opportunity, and building cities where freedom is reflected not only in our founding ideals, but in the everyday lives of the people they serve.

This Fourth of July, we wish you and your loved ones a safe, joyful holiday as we celebrate our nation’s history and continue the work of shaping its future.

Happy Independence Day from AAMA. 🇺🇸

07/02/2026

Save the date: April 8-9, 2027 for AAMA 2027 Annual Conference in Baltimore, MD!

07/01/2026

The African American Mayors Association welcomes a new treasurer and mayor to its Board of Trustees.

Mayor Yadira Ramos-Herbert of New Rochelle, New York, has been named treasurer and Mayor Donya L. Sartor of Jonesboro, Georgia, will serve as one of AAMA's newest trustees.

AAMA congratulates Mayor Ramos-Herbert and Mayor Sartor on their new leadership roles and looks forward to their service.

06/25/2026

Calling all city leaders working on air pollution! On Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at 1:00 PM ET / 10:00 AM PT, the Community Data Health Initiative (CDHI) is proud to launch the City Clean Air Hub, a one-stop web resource to connect city leaders with the data tools, resources, and policy insights they need to chart a path to cleaner air. Designed for mayors, chiefs of staff, and city officials and civil society leaders working on air pollution, the Hub will offer:

· A step-by-step guide to tackling air pollution, drawn from proven best practices
· Localized insights to help cities track air pollution sources and their health impacts
· A library of 250+ resources and tools for data, analysis, solutions and more
· Success stories that break down what’s worked for other cities

The webinar will feature a walkthrough of the Hub, followed by a panel of EDF air quality experts and city leaders (to be announced soon!) from across the U.S. who have led the way to track and cut local air pollution. The panel will share learnings from their own experiences and how the hub’s tools and insights can assist local leaders at all stages of their clean air journey. Thank you to our fellow CDHI collaborators, Environmental Defense Fund, Data-Smart City Solutions, and Meharry Medical College for making this work possible.

Register to join us: https://edf.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_98OhtZmpRzuY_oSVSfYrKA

06/22/2026

Every community deserves leaders who can serve without fear of harassment, intimidation, or threats.

Women mayors across North America continue to face disproportionate levels of abuse simply for doing the work of governing. In a new guest article for the Strong Cities Network, AAMA CEO Phyllis Dickerson joins fellow leaders in calling for greater awareness, stronger support systems, and shared accountability to ensure women can lead safely and effectively.

Local democracy is strongest when talented leaders are encouraged to serve and empowered to stay.

Read the article: https://loom.ly/inagsFI

When you’re the mayor, the phone never stops ringing. Calls about the roads, the latest infrastructure project or repairs to a rundown ball diamond. You don’t expect to pick up the phone and be told that your grandkid’s daycare is being forced to implement extra security because strangers have...