WASHINGTON — Mayor Darwin Hindman is among an exclusive group of 80 U.S. mayors to meet with President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden at the White House on Friday morning for the United States Conference of Mayors to discuss the recently signed American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
Hindman said in a press release that he had a pleasant meeting with the president.
"The president said that he remembered his visit to Columbia last year and that it was one of his best stops," he said.
Following the meeting, Hindman and others had sessions with heads from the Department of Energy, Department of Energy Weatherization and the Department of Justice.
Hindman said that despite the uncertainties facing the economy today, Columbia is ready to apply for any recovery assistance that is available. He also said he was impressed by the caliber of officials in this meeting.
"They're smart and aware people, and I think they're very interested in the issues that matter to cities," he said.