DALLAS, Jan. 23, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings announced that Dallas will host the 82nd Annual U.S. Conference of Mayors, June 20-23, 2014. He made the announcement today at the winter conference in Washington, D.C.

The United States Conference of Mayors (USCM) is the official non-partisan organization of cities with populations of 30,000 or larger which includes nearly 1,400 total members. An estimated 300+ mayors, their families, support staff, and corporate sponsors, will gather in Dallas at the Omni Dallas Convention Center Hotel for the four-day session.  The conference is expected to draw approximately 1,300 total attendees.

"Maverick citizens have continuously pushed Dallas to its limits in order to give life to some of the most innovative ideas that have created our own magic and transformed our city," said Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings. "We are excited to host the country's mayors this summer so we can showcase all our city has to offer, from nationally ranked sports teams to world-class museums and entertainment venues, internationally known restaurants and chefs, and a modern approach to solving urban issues through successful public/private partnerships."

According to the Dallas Convention and Visitors Bureau, the conference is expected to have an economic impact of $2.4M, with a direct impact of $1.3M. "The conference is one more example of the BIG things happening in Dallas, the fifth ranked destination for meetings and conventions in the nation," said Phillip J. Jones, CEO/president of the Dallas Convention and Visitors Bureau. "As one of the leading hubs for business in the nation, our city remains committed to forward-thinking ideas and innovative solutions for a strong, vibrant future," Jones said.

The primary roles of the U.S. Conference of Mayors include promoting the development of effective national urban/suburban policy, strengthening federal-city relationships, ensuring that federal policy meets urban needs, providing mayors with leadership and management tools, and creating a forum in which mayors can share ideas and information. The USCM holds a winter meeting each January in Washington, D.C., and its annual meeting in June.

"The nation's mayors are excited to come to Dallas for the 82nd Annual Meeting in June 2014," said USCM CEO and Executive Director Tom Cochran. "Dallas is truly a world-class city and is the perfect place for mayors to discuss the issues of the day and exchange ideas."

Mayors from across the country and their families will experience the best of Texas hospitality during their stay in Dallas, thanks to a host committee organized by Mayor Rawlings. The events planned for the June meeting are all privately funded by corporations and businesses based in Dallas and showcase ultra-modern and sophisticated cultural and entertainment venues, such as the country's largest contiguous arts district, AT&T Stadium, the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, Klyde Warren Park and the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens.

Internationally known and Texas-grown artists Lyle Lovett, Leann Rimes, Asleep at the Wheel, Marcia Ball, and Bonnie Raitt will entertain the mayors, their families, and staff during the conference.

Dallas is the ninth-largest U.S. city, and part of the fourth-largest metropolitan area in the nation. The Dallas area has earned its No. 1 visitor and leisure destination in Texas status, both because of its vibrant and diverse culture and because it serves as a center for art, fashion and sports. The city also has a rich variety of cultural offerings through some of the most successful public/private partnerships in the world.

Because the Dallas metropolitan area is home to two important airports that provide non-stop service to more than 145 domestic and 47 international destinations, mayors from around the country will find traveling to Big D convenient and easy. Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) is one of the fastest-growing light rail systems in the nation, moving more than 220,000 passengers per day across a 700-square-mile service area. This system provides easy access to some of the best shopping in the southwest and world-class restaurants and entertainment districts.

Dallas is also a leader in economic development and job creation. The city was named Forbes Magazine's 2013 Best City for Good Jobs because, according to Forbes, it racked up 2.1 percent job growth and "is projected to continue adding jobs at a 2.8 percent rate through 2019—more than 300,000 on top of the 2.1 million already in Dallas and its suburbs."

For more information about Dallas and the conference, visit www.uscmdallas2014.com or follow the conference on Facebook: USCM Dallas 2014, Twitter: USCMDallas, LinkedIn: USCM Dallas 2014 with hashtag #USCMDALLAS.

USCM DALLAS 2014 SPONSORS:

7-Eleven, AT&T, Southwest Airlines, Gene and Jerry Jones Family Foundation, LH Holdings, Tenet Healthcare Corporation, Baylor – Methodist – Children's – Texas Health Resources, Bedrock Freight Logistics, Chief Oil & Gas, Energy Future Holdings, Exxon Mobil Corp., Fluor Corp., Hillwood Development Company, Hunt Consolidated, Inc., ISNetworld, Kimberly-Clark Corp., Neiman Marcus Group, Omni Dallas Hotel, Robert Decherd, Worldlink, Inc., CIC Partners, Corrigan Investments, Inc., Dallas Citizens Council, Dallas Regional Chamber, Ebby Halliday Compnaies, H.E.B. / Central Market, Mr. and Mrs. Troutt, Pepsi, Pioneer Natural Resources, Truman Arnold Companies, Vaughn Captial Partners, LLC, Wells Fargo, Allegiance Title Company, Ambit Energy, Atmos Energy Corp., Azteca-Omega Group, Baker Botts, L.L.P., Bank of America Dallas, Bank of Texas N.A., Dean Foods Co., TDIndustries, WJH Corporation, Hammack Oil, Citibank, Texas Instruments, and The Eugene McDermott Foundation.

ABOUT DALLAS:

As the ninth-largest city and part of the fourth-largest metropolitan area in the nation, Dallas covers approximately 343 square miles and has a population of 1,241,162. The ultra-modern and sophisticated city attracts worldwide travelers, making the area the No. 1 visitor and leisure destination in Texas.

Dallas is centrally located and within a four-hour flight from most North American destinations. DFW International Airport is the world's fourth busiest airport, offering nearly 1,750 flights per day and providing non-stop service to 145 domestic and 47 international destinations worldwide annually. In addition, Dallas Love Field Airport is conveniently located 10 minutes from downtown. Once here, visitors can ride DART, one of the fastest-growing light rail systems in the nation or the historic, free McKinney Avenue Trolley from the Dallas Arts District throughout the Uptown area with its restaurants, pubs, boutique hotels and shops.

Throughout the city, a visitor will enjoy the best shopping in the southwest, four-and five-diamond/star hotels and restaurants, the largest urban arts district in the nation, more than 14 entertainment districts and much more. Blend in moderate weather, year-round sports and true Southern hospitality for a true "taste" of the Dallas difference. Visitors are exposed to a city of success ... where optimism meets opportunity. Its pioneering spirit is alive and well, and the philanthropic contributions from its many residents continue to enrich the community and quality of life.

Dallas is also a leading business and meeting city. In 2012, 18 area businesses were named Fortune 500 companies, including Exxon Mobil, Southwest Airlines and Texas Instruments.

CONTACT: Frank Librio (214) 670-3322Minerva Rodriguez (214) 632-9035

SOURCE USCM Dallas 2014