Engagement
Click below for engagement with the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs:
- Events and Engagement
- US Conference of Mayors
- National Governors Association
- National League of Cities
- National Association of Counties
- White House Tribal Nations Summit
- Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health
- Communities in Action
- State Legislative Convenings
- Puerto Rico Engagement
- United We Stand Summit
Events and Engagement
The Office of Intergovernmental Affairs serves to engage with state, local, Tribal, and territorial leaders on all policy and community issues, and serves as a direct line for elected officials and the Biden-Harris Administration.
The Office of Intergovernmental Affairs also works to highlight and amplify voices from communities across the country, including through coordinating Administration participation at events, hosting community leaders at the White House, and leading briefings, conversations, and meetings with senior Administration officials.
To find out about upcoming briefings, sign up to receive our emails here or join our weekly call on Thursdays at 4pm ET here.
To watch the President and Vice President’s past meetings with federal, state, local, and community leaders, visit: www.youtube.gov/whitehouse
To host or participate in an event, or to request Administration participation at an event, please email IGA46@who.eop.gov
View photos from the President’s trips to communities across the country at the White House Flickr Page
President Biden’s work with U.S. Mayors
Let’s keep investing in the future of every city and town in America.
President Biden, January 2022
2023
On January 20, 2023, President Biden welcomed over 200 bipartisan mayors to the East Room of the White House on the two-year anniversary of the President’s inauguration. The President gave remarks and participated in a question-and-answer session during the annual U.S. Conference of Mayors Winter Meeting. The President joined the mayors in celebrating the achievements of the past 18 months — including passage of the CHIPS and Science Act, Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act — and looking ahead to continuing the strong partnership with cities across the United States. As the President said: “Together, we’re proving that every city and town in this country, our best days are ahead of us, not behind us.” To read the President’s full remarks, click here.
2022
On January 21, 2022, President Biden addressed over 200 bipartisan mayors during the annual U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) Winter Meeting. At this year’s convening, the President highlighted the strong partnership between his Administration and mayors over the past year to tackle unprecedented crises, rebuild the economy, and deliver results for working families, stating: “mayors carry the quality of the people’s lives on your shoulders.” The President also discussed ways to further partner with cities on implementing the American Rescue Plan and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, saying: “The infrastructure law is a perfect example of what we can achieve when we tackle problems the way mayors do.” To read the President’s full remarks, click here.
Thirteen members of the President’s Cabinet and White House senior staff also spoke during the Winter Meeting. More information can be found in the White House Fact Sheet here.
On June 3, 2022, Vice President Harris spoke at the 90th Annual Meeting of the U.S. Conference of Mayors. Click here to read her full remarks.
2021
On January 23, 2021, three days after his inauguration, President Biden joined the U.S. Conference of Mayors Winter Meeting virtually. The President emphasized how mayors have a partner in the White House: “a partner you can trust, who will listen, who will work to get you what you need.” The President discussed his national strategy to beat COVID-19 in both urban and rural communities, and how his Administration would be there to support mayors in efforts to stop the spread of COVID. The President also spoke about his American Rescue Plan and how millions in funding would be delivered directly to state and local governments who have been on the frontlines of the pandemic. To watch the President’s remarks, click below:
Additional Briefings and Meetings with Mayors
The Biden-Harris Administration regularly hosts briefings and meetings with Mayors. Below is a small sampling of recent engagement:
On May 13, 2022, President Biden hosted a meeting with local elected officials, chiefs of police, and a community violence intervention expert from cities across America that have benefited from using American Rescue Plan funding to increase spending on community policing and public safety programs. The President’s remarks highlighted state and local leaders’ investments that are making communities safer. The President was joined by law enforcement and elected officials from Kansas City, MO; Detroit, MI; Tulsa, OK; Tampa, FL; Toledo, OH; Baton Rouge, LA; Mercer County, PA; and Houston, TX. They all participated in a briefing which can be viewed below:
Throughout 2021 and 2022, the Biden-Harris Administration hosted numerous meetings with Mayors on how the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law would benefit communities across the country, including a meeting with the Vice President in October 2021. A video of the meeting is below:
The Biden-Harris Administration partners with the Nation’s Governors
“The thing I like about working with governors: You’re used to having to get things done….”
President Joe BideN, February 11, 2023
Since Day One, the Biden-Harris Administration has worked hand-in-hand with Governors from all states and territories to tackle some of the country’s most difficult challenges and work together to invest in and build back our communities stronger and more resilient than before.
National Governors Association Meetings
On February 10, 2023, President Biden and Vice President Harris welcomed the Nation’s Governors to the East Room of the White House for a business session during the National Governors Association Winter Meeting. The President gave remarks and participated in a discussion on the importance of coordinating across Federal and state governments to leverage the one in a generation opportunity to invest in America through the achievements of the past two years, including the American Rescue Plan, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Inflation Reduction Act, CHIPS and Science Act, and the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. To read the President’s full remarks, click here.
The group of 40 bipartisan governors also participated in discussions with:
- Secretary Gina Raimondo, Department of Commerce
- Secretary Xavier Becerra, Department of Health and Human Services
- Secretary Marcia Fudge, Department of Housing and Urban Development
- Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Department of Homeland Security
- Chief of Staff Jeff Zients, White House
- National Economic Council Director Brian Deese, White House
- Senior Advisor and ARP Coordinator Gene Sperling, White House
- Senior Advisor and Infrastructure Implementation Coordinator Mitch Landrieu, White House
- Senior Advisor for Green Energy Innovation and Implementation John Podesta, White House
- Intergovernmental Affairs Director Julie Rodriguez, White House
- Additional members of the President’s Cabinet as well as senior Administration officials from all agencies participated in the National Governors Association Winter Meeting plenary sessions and panels.
On February 11, 2023, the President and First Lady hosted the National Governors Association for a Governors Ball at the White House featuring performances from country artist Brad Paisley to celebrate the bipartisan partnership between states and the Federal government. As the President said: “I’d like to make a toast to remembering who in God’s name we are. We’re the United States of America. We can get big things done if we do it together. ” To read the President’s toast, click here.
During the 2023 National Governors Association Winter Meeting, the First Lady hosted Governors’ spouses for two events, including a luncheon at the White House and performance by the Alvin Ailey Dance Company, and a service project with spouses and United Through Reading to provide care packages for children of active-duty military and National Guard members.
The full Biden-Harris Administration participated in the 2022 and 2021 National Governors Association Winter and Summer Meetings, including:
- President Biden’s remarks at the 2022 NGA Winter Meeting at the White House here
- President Biden’s remarks at the 2021 virtual NGA Winter Meeting here
Additional Briefings and Meetings with Governors
The Biden-Harris Administration regularly hosts briefings and meetings with Governors. Below is a small sampling of recent engagement:
On July 1, 2022, the President met with Governors to discuss reproductive rights actions in their states. Watch a video of the conversation below:
State, local, Tribal, and territory elected officials were critical partners of the Administration in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. The President, Vice President, and senior Administration officials regularly met with elected officials including in December 2022, when the President hosted a call with 22 bipartisan Governors. See below for a video of that call:
National League of Cities
2023
On March 27, 2023, First Lady Jill Biden provided remarks at the National League of Cities Congressional City Conference thanking 1,500 city and town officials for the work they’ve accomplished over the last year: “You find the solutions that people need.” The First Lady discussed the Administration’s strong partnership with cities and future efforts and opportunities to invest on education and partner on job growth and apprenticeships.
To watch the First Lady’s remarks and remarks from White House Infrastructure Coordinator Mitch Landrieu, click here.
To read the First Lady’s full remarks, click here.
2022
On March 14, 2022, the President provided remarks at the National League of Cities Congressional City Conference. He discussed the strong partnership between the Administration and cities, and how the needs of city and town leaders have been front of mind as the Administration designed the American Rescue Plan and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The President underscored the importance of this partnership, stating:
“We can tackle these challenges, but we can’t do it without you. You understand what families are up against every time you walk down the street in your neighborhoods. You understand the cost if we fail to act. We need your voices — the voices of local officials who understand what your communities need. Your senators and congressperson will listen to you all. If you can get this done — we can get it done, there’s no limit to what America can achieve.”
To read the President’s full remarks, click here.
2021
On March 8, 2021, the Vice president provided remarks at the National League of Cities’ Congressional City Conference.
National Association of Counties (NACO)
The Office of Intergovernmental Affairs has a strong relationship with county leaders across the United States, from working together to combat COVID-19 and implement funding from the American Rescue Plan, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, CHIPS Act, and Inflation Reduction Act, to partnering on best practices to support communities around opioids, healthcare, disaster response, community violence intervention, and more.
Representing the first Administration to have both a President and Vice President who served in county office, the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs works to showcase the innovative steps county governments are taking to support working families.
2023 NACO Legislative Conference
On February 14, 2023, President Biden joined county leaders at the NACO 2023 Legislative Conference. The President emphasized the work the Administration has done to partner directly with counties, including through direct funding to counties. The President’s remarks focused on the progress made and the work to come: “This is the work we’re going to continue to do together, Democrats and Republicans. And we’re proving, in every county in America, our best days are ahead of us. They’re not behind us.”
Read the President’s full remarks here.
2022 NACO Legislative Conference
On February 15, 2022, President Biden joined over 1,500 county leaders from around the country at the NACO 2022 Legislative Conference. The President’s remarks highlighted the unique ways counties have partnered with the Biden-Harris Administration and, as the President said, “how seriously I take the role you play on the frontlines in this country….”
Read the President’s full remarks here.
2021 NACO Conference
On July 9, 2021, Vice President Harris joined over 1,300 county leaders at the NACO 2021 Legislative Conference. The Vice President’s remarks highlighted the Biden-Harris Administration’s partnership with counties on key areas including infrastructure, high-speed internet, voting rights, and COVID-19 pandemic response and recovery efforts.
The White House Tribal Nations Summit brings together Tribal leaders and the Biden-Harris Administration to strengthen the Nation-to-Nation partnership and continue working together to improve outcomes for this generation of Native Americans and for the seven generations to come.
The Biden-Harris Administration is deeply committed to honoring its trust and treaty responsibilities to federally recognized Tribes, and this Summit provides an opportunity for Tribal leaders to engage directly with officials in the highest levels of the Administration.
To learn more about the Tribal Nations Summit, and the Administration’s engagement with Tribal leaders, click here.
2022 Tribal Nations Summit
Building on the 2021 Summit and the progress made to strengthen our Nation-to-Nation relationship and invest record levels of resources in Tribal communities, the White House hosted the 2022 Tribal Nations Summit on November 30, 2022 with robust and meaningful engagement on important issues facing Tribal communities.
This was the first in-person Tribal Nations Summit of the Biden-Harris Administration, which saw over 450 Tribal leaders and partners join for remarks from the President, Vice President, and 12 Cabinet Members; four cultural performances; and multiple engagement sessions with Administration officials. More information can be found in the White House Fact Sheet linked here.
The full 2022 White House Tribal Nations Summit Progress Report can be found and downloaded here.
Below are videos of both Day 1 and Day 2 of the 2021 Tribal Nations Summit:
2021 Tribal Nations Summit
“No group of Americans has created and cared more about what we inherited than the Tribal Nations.”
President Biden, November 16, 2021
The 2021 Tribal Nations Summit focused on the historic steps taken to support Tribal communities in their recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, advance equity and opportunity for all American Indians and Alaska Natives, and help Tribal Nations overcome new and long-standing challenges. The 2021 Summit included remarks from members of the President’s Cabinet and key senior Administration officials, including:
- President Biden
- Vice President Harris
- First Lady Dr. Jill Biden
- Secretary Deb Haaland, Department of Interior
- Attorney General Merrick Garland, Department of Justice
- Secretary Xavier Becerra, Department of Health and Human Services
- Dr. Anthony Fauci, Chief Medical Officer to the President
- Secretary Miguel Cardona, Department of Education
- Secretary Dennis McDonough, Department of Veterans Affairs
- Secretary Tom Vilsack, Department of Agriculture
More information can be found in the White House Fact Sheet linked here.
The full 2021 White House Tribal Nations Summit Progress Report can be found and downloaded here.
Below are videos of both Day 1 and Day 2 of the 2021 Tribal Nations Summit:
NEW: To continue the momentum from the historic Hunger, Nutrition, and Health Conference, the White House Launched in March 2023 the White House Challenge to Build Healthy Communities, and announced new public and private sector actions. Read more here.
Sign up for the challenge at this link!
White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health
On September 28, 2022, President Biden hosted the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health, to catalyze action for millions of Americans struggling with food insecurity and diet-related diseases.
During the Conference, the President outlined the Biden-Harris Administration’s goal of ending hunger in America and increasing healthy eating and physical activity by 2030—all while reducing disparities among communities impacted most.
The Administration also announced more than $8 billion in commitments from public and private entities that will reduce hunger, increase physical activity and promote access to healthy foods. This builds on the Administration’s work with the American Rescue Plan, which put food on the table for millions; the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which created safer spaces to be active; and the Inflation Reduction Act, which invests in public health.
This was the first conference since President Nixon’s White House Conference on Food, Nutrition and Health more than 50 years ago, in 1969.
Learn more about the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health through the White House fact sheet here.
The result of the Conference was a new White House National Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health – a roadmap for actions from across the federal government, Congress, and the public and private sectors that are anchored around Five Pillars:
- Pillar 1 – Improve food access and affordability
- Pillar 2 – Integrate nutrition and health
- Pillar 3 – Empower consumers to make and have access to healthy choices
- Pillar 4 – Support physical activity for all
- Pillar 5 – Enhance nutrition and food security research
The full National Strategy is available here.
For more information, visit the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health webpage here.
White House Communities in Action
Communities in Action: Building a Better America is a series of events that brings local elected officials and community leaders to the White House to highlight the investments of the Biden-Harris Administration and their impacts in communities throughout the country.
This series brings the Building a Better America “roadshow” to the White House by lifting up the voices and examples of local leaders who are delivering real results for working families.
Each half-day forum invites local leaders to share the ways that the Administration is supporting their efforts to create opportunities and improve people’s lives, and provides briefings for local leaders from senior Administration officials and Cabinet Members. Communities in Action will eventually feature all 50 states, Puerto Rico, the territories, and tribal communities.
Currently, the White House has hosted the following events:
- Building a Better Ohio: Readout Here
- Building a Better North Carolina: Readout Here
- Building a Better Pennsylvania: Readout Here
- Building a Better Michigan: Readout Here and the Vice President’s remarks here
- Building a Better Four Corners – Utah, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico
- Building a Better Georgia: Readout Here
- Building a Better Maryland
- Building a Better Louisiana
- Building a Better Wisconsin: Ambassador Susan Rice’s remarks
- Building a Better Minnesota: Readout Here
- Building a Better New Jersey
- Building a Better Massachusetts
- Building a Better South Carolina
- Building a Better Virginia
- Building a Better Iowa
- Building a Better Texas
- Building a Better Arkansas, Alabama, Mississippi
- Building a Better Florida
- Building a Better Oregon and Washington
- Building a Better North Dakota, South Dakota, and Nebraska
To find out more about the Communities in Action series, email IGA46@who.eop.gov
White House State Legislative Convenings
Coming Soon
Puerto Rico Engagement
“I am determined to help Puerto Rico build faster than in the past and stronger and better prepared for the future.”
President Joe Biden
The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to supporting Puerto Rico’s recovery and renewal. In 2021, President Biden unlocked billions of dollars in disaster funding and enacted historic expansions of economic and healthcare assistance programs for Puerto Rico. Since then, the Biden-Harris Administration has built on these unprecedented investments to ensure Puerto Rico has a strong foundation for sustained growth, including:
- President Biden’s Investing in America agenda – including historic legislation such as the American Rescue Plan (ARP), Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), CHIPS and Science Act, and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) – is delivering results and bringing good jobs to the island. Puerto Rico is now a more attractive place for companies to invest, expand, and drive U.S. competitiveness.
- President Biden established the White House Working Group on Puerto Rico to coordinate federal efforts, co-chaired by the Domestic Policy Advisor and Director of Intergovernmental Affairs.
- The Biden-Harris Administration announced that Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm would lead the Puerto Rican Grid Recovery and Modernization team, a supercharged effort across the entire federal government to bring together federal resources and technical assistance to Puerto Rico.
- Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding has already provided $1.1 billion for dozens of infrastructure projects across Puerto Rico. That includes approximately $596.1 million for transportation – roads, bridges, public transit, ports, and airports – and $185 million for clean water. To see locations of investments, visit Invest.gov and Build.gov
- The Puerto Rico government also invested its ARP State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds in important projects, including $223 million for water infrastructure, $100 million for road repairs, and $279 million to repair school buildings damaged by the 2020 earthquakes. And as of May 13, 2023, more than 600, 097 households are receiving affordable high-speed internet. Finally, under the Inflation Reduction Act, new possibilities for offshore wind are opening up along the coasts of Puerto Rico, allowing the Department of the Interior to explore wind lease sales in prime areas.
- Unleashed both private sector investments and philanthropic investments in Puerto Rico, including coordinating a network of foundations committed to support the Island. Read about the philanthropic commitments here.
Read more about the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment and how it’s delivering results and bringing good jobs to Puerto Rico in this Fact Sheet here.
Sign up for email updates on Puerto Rico here.
On December 6, 2022, the White House hosted Governor Pedro Pierluisi and members of his cabinet for the first Puerto Rico Economic Dialogue, to ensure resources from the federal and Puerto Rico governments are invested effectively, swiftly, and equitably to benefit all residents of Puerto Rico. This new initiative will renew and strengthen the working relationship between Washington, D.C. and San Juan and build on the progress that has already been made during this Administration to support inclusive prosperity and dignity, equality, and respect for Puerto Rico.
Read more about the Puerto Rico Economic Dialogue and commitments from both governments over the next 12 months here.
To find out more information on the Biden Administration’s engagement with Puerto Rico, click below:
- June 2023: Biden-Harris Administration Steadfast in Support of Puerto Rico’s Renewal. Fact Sheet here
- May 2023: President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is Delivering in Puerto Rico. Fact Sheet here
- December 14, 2022: Biden-Harris Administration Announces Millions in New Philanthropic Commitments Aligned to Puerto Rico Economic Dialogue. Department of Commerce press release here
- December 6, 2022: Biden-Harris Administration Hosts Economic Dialogue with the Government of Puerto Rico to Jointly Advance Economic Development in 2023. Fact Sheet here
- October 3, 2022: President Bidens remarks in Ponce, Puerto Rico. Video here and written remarks here.
- September 28, 2022: The Biden Administration Continues to Support Hurricane Fiona Response Efforts in Puerto Rico. Fact Sheet here
- August 11, 2022: Readout of Deputy Secretary Don Graves’ Meeting with Puerto Rico Governor Pedro Pierluisi here
- April 14, 2022: Getting the Child Tax Credit Right for Puerto Rico. Fact Sheet on the American Rescue Plan’s Permanent, Historical Changes to Tax Relief in Puerto Rico. Link here
- January 20, 2022: The Biden-Harris Administration Supports Puerto Rico’s Recovery and Renewal in its First Year in Office. Fact Sheet here
- July 20, 2021: Readout of the First Meeting of the White House Working Group on Puerto Rico here
United We Stand Summit
On September 15, 2022, President Biden hosted the United We Stand Summit to counter the corrosive effects of hate-fueled violence on our democracy and public safety. The Summit honored the resilience of communities who are healing from hateful attacks, including mass shootings, from Oak Creek to Orlando, Charleston, Pittsburgh, El Paso, Atlanta, Buffalo, and beyond.
The Summit put forward a shared vision for a more united America, demonstrating that the vast majority of Americans agree that there is no place for hate-fueled violence in our country, and that when Americans stand united to renew civic bonds and heal divides, we can help prevent acts of hate and violence.
President Biden has committed to rallying a whole-of-society response to prevent, respond to, and recover from hate-fueled violence, and to foster national unity. As part of that response, the White House announced a historic package of new actions the federal government, civic, faith, philanthropic, and business leaders will take to address hate-fueled violence and advance national unity.
To read more on actions taken as part of the Summit, click here.
Ambassador Susan Rice released her thoughts on how we can Counter Hate-Fueled Violence Together. Read more here
Read the President’s remarks at the United We Stand Summit here.
See what attendees — including state, local, Tribal, and territorial leaders — said about the United We Stand Summit here.
