Mayor Benjamin elected a VP of U.S. Conference of Mayors

Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin was elected second vice president of the United States Conference of Mayors at a meeting in Indianapolis on Monday.

Benjamin could assume the organization’s presidency in 2018, and his role at the heart of municipal leadership could benefit Columbia.

“Being elected by my peers to help lead an organization that has stood as the voice for cities like ours across America since 1933 is a truly great honor,” Benjamin said in a statement. “ This honor brings with it significant practical benefits for our city as a whole especially when you’re talking about access to best practices, grant funds and economic development prospects.”

With his election, Benjamin follows in the tradition of former Charleston Mayor Joe Riley, who served as the organization’s president from 1986-87.

Benjamin will succeed current vice president New Orleans Mayor Mitchell Landrieu, and will serve under new president, Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett.

Benjamin has served as a trustee for the USCM since 2012, and as vice chair for communications on the organization’s Transportation and Communications standing committee.

The Conference is comprised of mayors of cities and towns with populations of 30,000 or more across the U.S. and allows members to contribute to the development of national urban policy.

This story was originally published June 27, 2016 at 7:07 PM with the headline "Mayor Benjamin elected a VP of U.S. Conference of Mayors."