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\\ October 23, 1967 MEMORANDUM TO: Mayor Ivan Allen, Jr. FROM: Dan Sweat SUBJECT: Wednesday A . M . meeting of Local Urban Coalition The following format is suggested for the Wednesday meeting : 1. Mayor briefly state background for formation of National Urban Coalition. (a ) Grew from. a concern that the country ' s national priorities placed the problem of our urban cities far down the list -· behind Defen e, Space , Agriculture, Highways, etc. 2. (b ) The need for a reordering of priorities to make cities the No. 1 concern of the nation. (c) Congre s not only ha an attitude which i freezing urban expenditures, but i actually cutting b ck on ocial progr m of long tanding. (The Social Security amendments as pa ed by the House freezes th number of aid to familie with dependant children to current levels, which would mean that Atlanta or Fulton County DFCS could certify no more AFDC ca es than the total number at pre . ent. ) Who mak (a) up Urban Co lition? National Steering Committee of 33 memb r • M yors of urb n citie , top labor leaders, bu ine men, civil right• le der , educ tor and churchmen. �Page 2 3. What does it do? (a) This coalition pulls together the key elements in cities for discussion and joint actions on the major urban problem areas lums, poverty, unemployment, housing, education, etc. (b) The coalition will distribute information among it members on pending legislation before Congress and conduct an educational campaign to make the nation aware of the massive problems which . cities face. (c) The coalition will attempt to stimulate interest by private business to provide jobs and programs in cities (the $1 billion Insurance Industry Housing Pi-ogram re.s ulted from the Urban Coalition) and develop resources from all other areas to bring maximum impact on urban problems. 4. What can an Atlanta Urban Coalition do? (a) Act as a communications link between National Coalition and local organization • . (b) Provide an identifiable group representing all ar as of Atlanta life to convene and bring to bear on any city criei • (c) Stimulate maximum cooperation and coordination mong Grganizations. (d) Act a o.u nding board for new program propo where certain programs should be placed. nd recommend (e) Provide upport from local community for legi lative propos 1 to the N tional Congres and State Legislatur • (f) A _ i t City in determining locai priorities. �Page 3 7. Suggested Steps for Follow-Up. (a) Mayo:r ' s Office will coordinate Coalition initially, but encourage volunteers to provide staff assistance. (Perhaps some organization bas a per on they could ass ign to ooordinate the program full-time. It doesn't have to be done from City Hall .) (b) Other organizations who express interest in joining will be added and kept informed. 8. Mayor mention probability of Task Force or Private Employment holding conference here on November 15th to discuss ways private industry can provide jobs and training for unemployed and underemployed. DS/br \ j �