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U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters Honored With 2008 Congressional Leader of the Year Award From the League of California Cities

The League of California Cities honored U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters today during the closing general session of its 110th Annual Conference today in Long Beach. The congresswoman was recognized for her outstanding contribution to California cities and, in particular, her work on the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008. She helped lead the fight to retain a one-time $3.9 billion in emergency neighborhood stabilization funding to assist states and local governments in the redevelopment of abandoned and foreclosed homes and residential properties.

Rep. Waters was unable to attend the presentation and sent Blanca Jimenez, her district director, to accept the League's 2008 Congressional Leadership Award on her behalf.

"The Congresswomen appreciates the League's recognition of her work, which benefits not only California cities, but all U.S. cities," said Jimenez. "She supports the work that the League does to advocate for California cities."

League President Jim Madaffer commended Rep. Waters for her determination to ensure that this critical funding will be available to help states and cities come back from disaster.

"The Housing and Economic Recovery Act has been a top priority for the League of California Cities. Rep. Maxine Waters' leadership with this legislation ensures that California cities, some of the hardest hit in the nation by the mortgage crisis, have access to the tools necessary to fully recover," said Madaffer. He continued, "When people go through mortgage foreclose and are forced to abandon their home it is devastating for them and it affects their neighbors and the quality of life of the entire city. The $3.9 billion for emergency neighborhood stabilization will help California's cities secure and revitalize abandoned homes and provide affordable housing to our residents."

Created by the League of California Cities in 2000, the Congressional Leadership Award is given periodically by the League's board of directors to one or more members of the California Congressional delegation in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the cities of California.

The League of California Cities was established by and for city officials in 1898 to provide opportunities for members to meet and exchange ideas, set policies, and advocate for legislation that protects and upholds the principles of local control.