June 15, 2016 – Here at What Works Cities, we talk with people in city government every day, and every day we hear stories about how civil servants are trying to improve residents’ lives. We discuss their challenges and the things they’re doing to fulfill their commitment to help their communities become that much better, that much stronger.
City government is made up of people who deeply care about their communities. It is those same people who, in the wake of a tragedy as shocking as the one in Orlando this past weekend, have to help those in their cities who have been wounded most deeply, all while tending to their own grief.
No city, no community, and no person should have to go through this.
Among the outpouring of grief and sympathy for the residents of Orlando, some of the most powerful statements of solidarity and empathy and offers of assistance have come from the community of fellow cities—from residents to Mayors. All feel connected by their common mission and desire: to provide hope, safety, and equity for all their residents—and to live in an environment where all individuals can thrive, find acceptance, and make a home. From within this community of cities have emerged expressions of love, sympathy, regret, and an implicit understanding of the vulnerabilities we all share.
Here are just a few:
At What Works Cities, we are honored to work with city leaders who share learnings and foster a network to support one another—not just in the daily work, but also in the wake of tragedy.
Today, we are all Orlandoans, as we were all San Bernardinans six months ago, Chattanoogans 11 months ago, and Aurorans 47 months ago. Our greatest desire is that no city will face such terrors again, but if any should, we will find hope in a community of cities that is stronger than any one city alone. We are all Orlando.