Members of Congress sharing an interest in restoring prosperity to America’s great historic industrial cities have created the Revitalizing Older Cities (ROC) Congressional Task Force to exchange legislative ideas and create effective policy that will lead to the rejuvenation of communities most impacted by population loss, lack of traditional employment opportunities, and overall economic disinvestment. In the fall of 2007, the Northeast-Midwest Congressional Coalition formed the task force, co-chaired by Representatives Brian Higgins (D-NY) and Mike Turner (R-OH). The ROC Congressional Task Force recognizes that the challenges facing many older industrial cities and towns are not unique to each community and that federal policy can and does impact their economic success.

The ROC Congressional Task Force is able to focus legislative attention on issues of common interest to legislators who otherwise might not join forces. Congressional task force members can share the responsibilities for sponsoring and co-sponsoring bills, reach a broader array of colleagues for support, and use their fellow task force members’ positions on a wide range of committees and subcommittees with diverse jurisdictions to gain hearings for their proposed legislation, as well as possible inclusion in larger omnibus bills. Coupling this task force with informational support from Institute staff provides the in-depth policy and political expertise necessary to create a powerful engine for change.

Member of the Revitalizing Older Cities Congressional Task Force (as of June 2015) are:

Yvette Clarke (D-NY)
Elijah Cummings (D-MD)
Mike Doyle (D-PA)
Brian Higgins (D-NY)
James McGovern (D-MA)
Mike Turner (R-OH)

Bold indicates the member is a co-chair.