Santa Clara University

"Cooperation. Regionalism. Collaboration." These are among the themes discussed at the recent annual meeting of the National League of Cities.

The association brings together mayors and councilmembers as well as city administrators to share best practices and encourage bipartisan efforts to improve cities.

Incoming Colorado governor John Hickenlooper, who is currently the mayor of Denver, delivered a strong message. "At some point  this country needs to come together in every sense. We don't have the luxury of partisan bickering after the election."

I couldn't agree more. As resources continue to be scarce, it is even more important to promote inter-agency cooperation,  regional partnerships, and look for innovative ways to involve the private sector as well as our communities.