League of Cities' conference to draw more than 3,000 to New Orleans

More than 3,000 officials from across the United States are expected to attend the National League of Cities' annual Congress of Cities in New Orleans from Nov. 13-17.

The event will be held at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.

The conference brings together U.S. mayors, city council members, municipal leaders and other government officials.

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg is scheduled to be among the speakers.

Event participants are expected to discuss issues such as innovation, "green" building practices and recovering from disasters. While in town, officials can participate in homebuilding projects with Habitat for Humanity, help paint classrooms, build a playground designed by New Orleans children and attend workshops across the city.

Event highlights:

- Bloomberg will speak at 8:30 a.m. Nov. 16.

- New Orleans Mayor C. Ray Nagin will speak on a panel on how to rebuild a community after a disaster at 8:30 a.m. Nov. 17.

- Habitat for Humanity builds will be held in Musicians' Village in the Ninth Ward starting at 7:30 a.m. Nov. 14 and 3 p.m. Nov. 15.

- The playground build is slated for Joe Brown Park, 5601 Read Blvd., starting at 11 a.m. Nov. 16.

- Classroom painting is scheduled to start at 11:30 a.m. Nov. 15.

- A workshop, "A City Being Reborn: 17 Targeted Recovery Zones in Progress," is set for 10 a.m. Nov. 14 and 2 p.m. Nov. 16.

The Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission said 400 volunteers are needed for the conference to greet conference attendees at the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport and the Convention Center and run workshop information events, among other things.

To volunteer, contact Robert Fogarty at 658-4015.

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