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Candidate Eurocities executive committee

BIRMINGHAM

Eurocities AGM 2020 1 of 16 4b

Birmingham and EUROCITIES

Eurocities AGM 2020 2 of 16 4b

"CITY TO CITY CO-OPERATION HAS NEVER BEEN MORE IMPORTANT AND WE ARE DETERMINED NOT TO ALLOW BREXIT TO DIMINISH OUR RESPONSIBILITIES TO OUR CITIZENS AND OUR EUROPEAN NEIGHBOURS."

IAN WARD Leader of Birmingham City Council

Eurocities AGM 2020 3 of 16 CONTENTS 10 E 11 u 2 8 6 3 r 1 o c i t i e s

A G M THE BIRMINGHAM TEAM BIRMINGHAM THE BIOGRAPHY LEADER'S EUROCITIES IN HISTORY BIRMINGHAM’S PRIORITIES 2021-2023 BIRMINGHAM'S PRIORITIES EUROCITIES CURRENT SUPPORTING BREXIT AND BIRMINGHAM ON STATEMENT COUNCIL THE OF LEADER THE FROM MESSAGE

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1 6 4b MESSAGE FROM THE LEADER OF THE COUNCIL

Dear Members of EUROCITIES, I am pleased to present, for your consideration, Birmingham’s candidacy to renew its position as a member of the EUROCITIES Executive Committee.

It is at times like these that we are reminded of the importance of our European connections. For decades we have worked together on tackling global challenges and now we are passing through the storm of another. We can only win the battle against Covid-19 through co-operation and intelligence sharing and our European neighbours and friends are naturally our first port of call. EUROCITIES is a valuable model for good practice sharing and policy development and we have drawn inspiration from the network’s examples of good practice on the COVID news platform in dealing with the crisis. As cities are battling to keep infection rates under control, our attention has also shifted to the difficult task of social and economic recovery. We look to pursue a greener, cleaner and fairer way forward to ensure that our most vulnerable citizens are included in our plans for recovery. Indeed, we are keen for all our citizens to benefit from new and existing opportunities. We recognise the importance of preventing business closures and mass unemployment and are providing support to SMEs as a first step on the road to recovery alongside dedicated programmes supporting young and vulnerable people. Of equal importance is continuing our work in tackling climate change. Birmingham has recently launched a Clean Air Zone (CAZ) which is part of the City Council’s ambitious strategy to reach CO2 neutrality by 2030. It is significant to note that the approach taken by the Belgian city of Ghent inspired Birmingham’s CAZ. European cities are all key players in tackling global challenges such as these and only a united approach will keep the global temperature rise well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. With the shift towards greater digitalisation and remote working, now is the time to meet and go beyond climate change goals.

Birmingham is an innovative and learning city and our physical closeness and cultural connections with our European neighbours are to be championed. We are committed to supporting the delivery of the EUROCITIES strategic framework which clearly aligns to current Birmingham City Council objectives and priorities. We support the European Urban Agenda and have embraced many of the network declarations and pledges such as a European Pillar of Social Rights pledge on homelessness. City representatives are keen to continue to harness the political purchase of such pledges to tackle universal challenges in a more holistic way. My city has a strong track record in chairing and participating in the network forums and working groups and we will continue to do so. Brexit is demanding a more creative approach in finding ways to strengthen our European relationship. City to city co-operation has never been more important and we are determined not to allow Brexit to diminish our responsibilities to our citizens or our European neighbours. We are keen to grow and develop with our fellow colleagues in EUROCITIES, working together to ensure a better future for all.

As a founding member of EUROCITIES and the first UK city to open an office in Brussels, a European approach remains enshrined in our thinking. Birmingham remains a European city. Whilst reconising that the UK has left the EU, Birmingham remains committed to advancing the EUROCITIES agenda. The value gained from our involvement in the network is clearly recognised by myself and my leadership team and as such, our commitment to EUROCITIES is as strong and as relevant today as it was 34 years ago.

Should you have any question about any aspect of Birmingham’s candidacy, please do not hesitate to contact me or a member of my team.

If elected, I am committed to providing my continued personal and political support to the network’s ambitions and working positively and openly with all EUROCITIES members over the next three years.

Councillor Ian Ward. Leader of Birmingham City Council

Eurocities AGM 2020 5 of 16 4b STATEMENT ON BIRMINGHAM AND BREXIT

Brexit has come as a huge disappointment, neither I nor my Cabinet colleagues supported leaving the EU. Notwithstanding this, we are immensely appreciative of our friends and colleagues in EUROCITIES as we have sought to navigate the complexities of Brexit. This partnership is an essential element in helping us to sustain collaborative and co operative relationships with EU cities over the years to come. We consider it imperative that European cities continue to work collaboratively to secure the economic, social and environmental future that each nation wants, whether they are a member of the Union or not.

Our principal aim has been to ensure that Birmingham and UK Core Cities continue to enjoy sustained collaboration with EUROCITIES and Europe. We have engaged in a number of meetings facilitated through UK Core Cities and EUROCITIES in order to achieve this vision and these include:

The joint EUROCITIES/UK Core Cities position developed and presented at an EU Mayors' summit in May 2017. A meeting between Michel Barnier, EU Chief Negotiator and UK Core City Leaders and Mayors/EUROCITIES and a meeting between Mr Guy Verhofstadt, Chief Brexit representative for the European Parliament and UK Core Cities and EUROCITIES in February 2018.

Since then, there has been continued dialogue and continued commitment to maintain a strong, pro-active and collaborative role for UK cities in Europe post Brexit. The UK may have left the EU, but Birmingham has certainly not left Europe. Whilst the UK government has vacated its seat at the table of the European Council, we remain resolute in maintaining our seat at the table of European cities.

Birmingham is proud of its European partner city connections, the first of these was with Lyon back in 1951, others include Frankfurt, Leipzig and Milan. These relationships are now ever more important, and we are keen to deepen our connections with these cities. For example, we have recently developed a female leadership programme Young Women into Leadership (You WIL) and have invited young women from our partner cities to join the programme which is to be launched in 2021. The council continues to be a partner in many European projects some of which are ongoing till 2024. We continue to have a European footprint via our Brussels Office and are keen to ensure we can continue to share and shape policy intelligence and further opportunities for partnering with European cities on projects and other initiatives.

Eurocities AGM 2020 6 of 16 4b SUPPORTING CURRENT EUROCITIES PRIORITIES

COVID-19 CALL FOR EUROPEAN SOLIDARITY

The most recent and important work for local authorities is COVID crisis management. For all the cities in the network, this international crisis calls for solidarity at a European and local level. Birmingham participated in the EUROCITIES Campaign to bring together Mayors and other organisations in order to learn quickly from each other’s good practice and increase joint working. We are proud of our business support programme which has made £230 million available to businesses affected by the crisis. Birmingham also took part in the EUROCITIES City Dialogues on Volunteering to share best practice on the response to the crisis. This included the emergency food relief response in Birmingham.

EUROPEAN GREEN DEAL

Birmingham has worked alongside the Executive Committee colleagues to draft the statement on the European Green Deal. We are working hard to implement Green Deal priorities to achieve our CO2 targets and to put in place measures to ensure greener and cleaner plans, such as the Clean Air Zone. Additionally, Birmingham has joined forces with other cities in the network and has implemented SUMPs (Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans) for greener and safer mobility, focusing research innovation on carbon efficient vehicles. In March, EUROCITIES adopted a statement on the Green Deal, recalling that cities are at the centre of the transition towards a climate neutral society.

POLITICAL DECLARATION - SCALING A DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

Digital connectivity plays a central part in the smart, sustainable development of all cities. Birmingham is proud to stand together with the 60 EU city leaders to sign the “Join, Boost, Sustain” political declaration. This signature illustrates Birmingham’s commitment to contribute to the adoption and implementation of digital solutions at a European level. Eurocities AGM 2020 7 of 16 4b SUPPORTING CURRENT EUROCITIES PRIORITIES

PEOPLE-CENTRED ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

Birmingham wholly supports the work progressed with other EUROCITIES partners to develop recommendations in response to the Commission’s digital strategy package. Digital transformation, harnessing the power of 5G and AI play a central role in the city’s path towards greater connectivity and an enhanced engagement with our citizens. Our current involvement with the Interreg North West Europe 'BETTER' project is an excellent opportunity to learn from state-of-the art digital initiatives across Europe. The project will help us to tackle current challenges through more effective e- government initiatives including data management for local authorities.

LEIPZIG CHARTER AND THE EU URBAN AGENDA

Birmingham played a key role in representing cities during the establishment of the EU Urban Agenda (EUUA) and was instrumental in introducing the theme of urban poverty. We actively participated in the EU Urban Poverty Policy Platform and held the position of Vice Chair of the EUROCITIES EUUA working group for three years. We support the EUROCITIES’ policy statement on the refresh of the Leipzig Charter based on the European Urban Agenda. The policy statement gives an extended role to cities in Europe while working towards the Commission’s objectives and reinforces the role of cities regarding policy making at national and European levels. Birmingham has also had an active role in Urban Innovative Actions (UIA) projects including the 'USE-IT' project which was recently nominated as the UK contribution to the EU Innovation Awards.

100 DAYS / 100 WAYS CAMPAIGN

To support the new European Commission, Birmingham took part in EUROCITIES’ campaign '100 Days 100 Ways', sharing stories on how the city tackles European challenges. This campaign has reinforced Birmingham’s ties to its European partners and provided an opportunity to promote EUROCITIES.

Eurocities AGM 2020 8 of 16 4b SUPPORTING CURRENT EUROCITIES PRIORITIES

EUROPEAN PILLAR OF SOCIAL RIGHTS

Birmingham has been closely involved in EUROCITIES’ work tackling homelessness. We pledged to the European Pillar of Social Rights, joining the 'Inclusive Social Rights In My City' initiative. We are committed to eradicating homelessness in Birmingham by providing appropriate housing solutions. We are keen to learn from other cities and attended the Vienna workshops showcasing good practices in housing policy. Furthermore, last October, Birmingham led a workshop in Warsaw during the Social Affairs Forum, on cities’ homelessness challenges and housing solutions.

FUTURE OF EUROCITIES

Birmingham's priorities strongly align with the EUROCITIES Strategic Framework. We wish to build on the 2021-2023 priorities to find effective solutions towards tackling climate change, increasing engagement with citizens and international partners and developing our circular economy and digital transformation

Eurocities AGM 2020 9 of 16 4b BIRMINGHAM'S 2021-2023 PRIORITIES

ROUTE TO ZERO: R20

Last year, Birmingham declared a climate emergency, with a commitment to carbon neutrality by 2030. The Government has pledged an expansion of green infrastructure across the country and has launched its Route to Zero Strategy to lead the world in zero emission vehicle technology. Birmingham is putting in place a Clean Air Zone as part of the Route to Zero and is keen to both share its good practices and learn from European cities working towards the EUROCITIES’ clean air priorities.

Birmingham universities and the city council are participating in the EU funded Research and Innovation (R&I) projects as part of the Sustainable Urban Mobility plan. Current H2020 projects include: The 'Joint Initiative for Hydrogen Vehicles Across Europe', 'Cooperating Connected Intelligent Vehicles for Safe and Efficient road Transport' and the European Programme for 'Accelerating the Take Up of Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans'. Our engagement in these projects demonstrates our commitment to providing a healthier environment, promoting safe, connected, sustainable urban mobility. We will seek to actively engage with the Eurocities Environment and Mobility Forums in particular.

SOLIDARITY, RESILIENCE AND RECOVERY

There are many lessons we can learn from the COVID 19 pandemic. We have all had to adapt and change our way of working and pivot our business models in a very short time frame. Our Deputy Leader, Councillor Brigid Jones participated in the EUROCITIES’ campaign for solidarity between network cities and discussed how to build resilience in the face of social and economic impacts. The most profound impact is likely to be on the most vulnerable in our cities and we must share solutions on how we include them on our road to recovery.

The EUROCITIES network is an important tool in helping us to find solutions collectively. One example of the work on the ground that Birmingham has undertaken is the emergency food relief response. The council, voluntary sector organisations and the food banks have worked tirelessly to meet the increased demand for food distribution. The crisis has highlighted the need to tackle food poverty once and for all. Birmingham is part of the EUROCITIES Food Working Group and we are a partner in the H2020 Food Trials project to help the transformation to a healthier and more sustainable City Region Food System. It must be acknowledged that social resilience and recovery goes hand in hand with economic resilience and recovery. In delivering this priority, we will continue to work with the Economic DevelopmentEurocities AGM and 202 0Social Affairs Forum. 10 of 16 4b BIRMINGHAM'S 2021-2023 PRIORITIES

INCLUSIVE GROWTH FOR ALL

Fighting urban poverty and promoting ‘inclusive growth for all’ is a priority for Birmingham City Council. We have a Business Charter for Social Responsibility and are a living wage employer. The council encourages businesses, other public sector organisations and schools to adopt the charter. Charter signatories need to consider and describe how they can improve the economic, social and environmental well-being of Birmingham and its citizens. We as a council are committed to most effectively utilising our planning, procurement and purchasing powers to ensure that growth benefits all citizens in our city. The COVID crisis is exposing the more vulnerable members of our community to even greater risk of marginalisation. Our work with EUROCITIES in the fight against poverty and homelessness has never been more important. An important aspect of our work is the ability to address post- COVID jobs and skills challenges and align these with new growth opportunities emerging in the city. Whilst we will also work with Social Affairs and Economic Development Forums to support this priority, we will also seek to engage with the Urban Governance Platform to enable more horizontal actions.

Eurocities AGM 2020 11 of 16 4b BIRMINGHAM'S HISTORY IN EUROCITIES

Birmingham is keen to maintain robust links with Europe. Our engagement with EUROCITIES is an important part of the city’s international strategy. We cherish the learning we have made over the years and are proud to have been one of its founding members. Early on, Birmingham performed the role of network Secretary, helping to write the statutes and internal rules that govern the network today. Since then, we have led many Forums and Working Groups as well as establish ourselves as an active and committed member of its Executive Committee. In more recent years this active participation includes:

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

FULL MEMBER OF THE EXCOM: 2011 - PRESENT

(PREVIOUSLY A MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE

COMMITTEE FROM 1991 TO 2005)

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE TREASURER –

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EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE SECRETARY –

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Eurocities AGM 2020 12 of 16 FORUM AND WORKING GROUP ENGAGEMENT 4b

SOCIAL AFFAIRS MOBILITY ENVIRONMENT FORUM FORUM FORUM

Chair of the Social Affairs Vice Chair of the Mobility Chair of the Environment Forum: 2010 – 2012 Forum: 2014 – 2016 Forum: 2014 – 2016 Vice-Chair of the Social Participation in various Members of Clean Cities, Affairs Forum: 2008 – working groups of the Green Areas and 2010 Mobility Forum since 2013 Biodiversity; Greening the Chair of the Future of Partners in a number of Local Economy and Noise European Social Fund mobility projects such as Working Groups Task force: 2011 – 2013 the 'SUMPS', 'Opticities' Co-Chair of the working Member of the and 'Intelligent Transport groups on Air Quality Homelessness, Systems' (ITS) Climate Change & Energy Employment, Education, Efficiency Migration and Integration Signatory of the and Smart Social EUROCITIES Declaration Inclusion Working Groups on Climate Change A partner in the EUROCITIES 'Cities for Active Inclusion ' project: 2010 – 2013

KNOWLEDGE ECONOMIC CULTURE SOCIETY FORUM DEVELOPMENT FORUM FORUM

Vice-Chair of the Vice Chair of the Vice Chair of the Culture Working Group on E- Cohesion Working Group Forum: 2014 – 2016 Inclusion until it moved to the Cllr Ian Ward was elected Member of the Smart Urban Theme chair of the Culture Cities Working Group Member of Innovation, Forum: 2016 – 2018 Signatory of the Green Entrepreneurship/SMEs Digital Charter and City Branding and Birmingham hosted the Attractiveness Working Knowledge Society Groups Forum in October 2010.

URBAN GOVERNANCE AND CROSS-CUTTING ACTIVITY Birmingham was previously a member of the EU Urban Poverty Partnership established under the EU Urban Agenda and Pact of Amsterdam. Former Vice-Chair of the Cohesion Policy Working Group: 2011-2016 Former Chair of the Urban Agenda Working Group: 2016- 2017 Birmingham participates in the Food Working Group. We are a partner in the EUROCITIES H2020 Food Trials initiative. Eurocities AGM 2020 13 of 16 4b Ian Ward

LEADER OF BIRMINGHAM CITY COUNCIL

LEADER'S BIOGRAPHY

Birmingham City Council Leader, Councillor Ian Ward, has been a Councillor since 1995. He served as Deputy Leader of the Labour Group from 2005-2017 and was Deputy Leader of the Council from 2012 until 2017 when he was elected Leader.

In this time he has had political responsibility for many areas including budgets and finance, land and property, arts and culture and development.

As Leader, Ian is overseeing a new era of investment and development in the City, with ambitious growth plans set to deliver 51,000 homes, 253 hectares of employment space and 100,000 jobs.

Birmingham is experiencing record growth and Ian's focus is on ensuring people across the city benefit from major projects including High Speed 2 and the expansion of the Metro network.

Keen to promote Birmingham’s sporting profile, he spearheaded the successful 2022 Commonwealth Games bid, having already helped bring a number of high-profile international sporting events to the city.

He has worked closely with Warwickshire Country Cricket Club over a number of years, supporting the hugely successful redevelopment of Edgbaston and bids to host major games including Cricket World Cup ties and Ashes Test Matches.

Ian has participated in many partnerships and boards during his varied political career ranging from Birmingham Royal Ballet and West Midlands Arts Council to the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership.

His engagement in Europe has been extensive. Birmingham has many European and international ties through formal civic relationships, which he has taken a personal interest in and responsibility for. He has also had extensive engagement in EUROCITIES activities over many years which recently included being Chair of the EUROCITIES Culture Forum and currently as a Member of the Executive Committee. He continues to support many of its political lobbying campaigns, particularly the public health, social justice and climate issues affecting the Future of Europe.

Eurocities AGM 2020 14 of 16 THE TEAM 4b

BIRMINGHAM TEAM

Lloyd Karolina Heather Broad Medwecka Law

HEAD OF EUROPEAN SENIOR PROGRAMME SENIOR PROGRAMME AND INTERNATIONAL COORDINATOR COORDINATOR AFFAIRS

BIRMINGHAM BRUSSELS OFFICE

Jan Urlings

SECRETARY GENERAL

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