More than 130 Greater Cleveland political and business leaders convened in the nation’s capital for the two-day Empowering Local Leadership conference. Organized by the Greater Cleveland Partnership, in collaboration with the Akron-Canton Advocacy Alliance, Northeast Ohio Mayors and City Managers Association, and the Cuyahoga County Mayors and City Managers Association, the annual gathering in Washington, D.C., is designed to connect the region’s local elected officials and civic leaders with Ohio’s congressional delegation and other federal policymakers.  

Day one included a visit to The White House for presentations from and conversations with administration officials. The White House visit was followed by an opening night reception at the U.S. Capitol, with appearances by Senator Jon Husted, Congressman Dave Joyce, Congresswoman Shontel Brown, Congresswoman Emilia Sykes, Congressman Jim Jordan, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur, Congressman Dave Taylor, and Congressman Troy Balderson. 

Day two concluded with remarks from members of Ohio’s congressional delegation, and policy briefings from additional officials, including: Doug Disrud, staff director of the House Appropriations Committee; Isabelle Icso, Executive Director of International Policy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce; Jay Payne, Chief Counsel for the Federal Highway Administration.  

View the photo lookbook here.