White Plains Mayor Tom Roach received a 2024 Public Leadership in the Arts award from the organization Americans for the Arts and the United States Conference of Mayors (USCM) during the USCM 92nd Winter Meeting today in Washington, D.C.
Roach was presented the National Award for Local Arts Leadership for cities with a population of fewer than 100,000. The award for cities with a population of 100,000 or more went to St. Louis Mayor Tishaura O. Jones. Colorado Governor Jared Polis received the award for state arts leadership.
“Our active and robust art scene is the result of our work with partners throughout our community who help us explore new ways to engage our diverse community in art and culture unleashing exceptional creativity and imagination,” Roach said. “I proudly accept the Local Arts Leadership award on behalf of our strong arts and business partners, and residents who collaborate with city officials to invigorate an art community that is enjoyed and valued by everyone who lives, works and visits the City of White Plains.”
Roach and White Plains were specifically praised for helping stage JazzFest White Plains, which presents free and affordable live jazz music as well as ArtsWestchester’s Serious Fun Arts Fest that brought two days of concerts and 18 new mural and sculpture installations to the downtown. It was noted that the nonprofit ArtsWestchester, which is headquartered on Mamaroneck Avenue in White Plains’ downtown, and the city have worked closely for many years to bring numerous arts activities to the city.
Later in the day, Roach joined other mayors in meeting with President Biden at the White House.
Biden thanked the mayors for their service and praised them for taking advantage of federal funding to improve local infrastructure. Biden also pledged that the federal government will work closely with local municipalities to remove every lead pipe in the nation’s water supply. He said that studies have shown that children can be developmentally affected if exposed to lead in their drinking water. He praised the mayors for taking advantage of federal funding to upgrade their community infrastructure. Roach is visible on the far right in the photo showing Biden speaking with the mayors.
