One Arizona mayor is about to become the second-in-command at the U.S. Conference of Mayors. The conference is held this week in Orlando. KJZZ’s Nadine Arroyo Rodriguez reports.

Mesa Mayor Scott Smith (Photo courtesy of City of Mesa)

Mesa Mayor Scott Smith will be named Vice President of the U.S. Conference of Mayors. The USMC is a non-partisan group focusing on city relations with federal government and developing urban and suburban policies.

Smith already holds a leadership position, but the newest post will put him in line for president of the organization next year. 

Smith says Arizona could benefit from his new role. As vice president he will have a voice at the national level and have a direct connection to the federal government. At the conference, Smith will lead a discussion on how cities can assist military veterans find jobs and city programs to help them adjust to civilian life.