With generous support from the IRS, our annual Mayor’s Leadership Academy provides a forum for tax coalition representatives from around the country to gather and exchange best-practices to foster a united, coordinated effort to further real economic impact, nationwide.

The 5th Annual REI Tour Mayor's Leadership Academy was held in Chicago and we were very grateful to Mayor Richard Daley and his staff for making this opportunity available. The purpose of the Academy is to establish an expanded peer support system led by the Mayors and EITC coalitions that compliments and enriches community-based initiatives such as the Real Economic Impact Tour. The Tour now going into its seventh year is providing a real “gateway” to asset building opportunities for taxpayers with disabilities.

Thank you to our title sponsor, Walmart, for their generous support of this 2010's conference, and to Kaye Scholer, LLC, Amerigroup Foundation, the National Federation of Community Development Credit Unions, Protected Tomorrows and the Center for Economic Progress for their support.

The 4th Annual Mayor's Leadership Academy, hosted by Mayor John Peyton, was held at the Jacksonville Convention Center. 98 representatives from 44 cities participated in the Academy along with 22 partners and IRS SPEC employees.  This year's event provided attendees opportunitties to learn about our innovative DeafTax project, IRS updates on beneficial tax provisions, distinct financial products offered by new partners and successful strategies from select Tour cities.

 

Attendees had this to say about this year's event:

"The focus, passion and expertise along with the overall copmetency of presenters were impressive and appreciated."  

 

"I learned SO much. It will really make a difference for our agency."

"I liked the opportunity to meet with other participants and learn new ideas for implementation."

 

"Everyone I talked to learned something, enjoyed themself, and said what a great conference it was. I agree. Thanks again!"

For a complete copy of the 2009 Mayor's Leadership Academy evaluation, please contact us at  info@ndi-inc.org.

Mayor Phil Hardberger of San Antonio hosted the Third Annual Academy, held on the historic San Antonio Riverwalk.  There were 49 cities represented by 110 delegates as well as 26 national partners.  This was our largest attendance to date thanks to a grant from IRS that paid travel expenses for attendees from REI Tour cities.

Baltimore’s Mayor Shelia Dixon, Deputy Mayor Dr. Salima Siler Marriott and Dr. Nollie Wood of the Mayor’s Commission on Disability hosted the Second Annual Academy in the beautiful Baltimore Convention Center.  Eighty people attended including representatives from 16 cities, 12 national partners and IRS SPEC employees.

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg hosted the first ever Mayor’s Leadership Academy on Asset Development for Persons with Disabilities and Their Families at CUNY (City University of New York).  IRS SPEC was represented by their national director, key personnel from Headquarters in Atlanta and the relationship manager from each city. 12 REI Tour cities attended this signature event, sharing best practices and new challenges. Opening remarks were presented by NYC’s Commissioner on Disability.