FINDLAY, Ohio — Dozens of mayors from across the state gathered in Findlay at the Hancock Hotel to discuss important issues affecting their cities. 

The most common concern across the state is public safety. Priding themselves on bipartisan conversation and collaboration, nearly two dozen mayors from across the state gathered to discuss the top concerns of their communities.

“As we continue to build our platform and advocate at the state and national level, working together to find common ground is something that you don't always see in politics but is a top priority for all of us,” said Republican Mayor of Findlay Christina Muryn. 

Muryn, who was the meeting's host, said the top priority here is how to create safer communities. However, she added crime has decreased across the state. 

“What can mayors do and what can we do in our communities to help continue to make our communities a safer place. And we're very fortunate that we have seen a decrease in violent crime across the state of Ohio,” said Muryn.

Democrat Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther is the new president of the U.S Mayors Conference. He said one of his goals as president is to pilot Mayors Alliances in other states because of the success of the Ohio group. Ginther said another priority is making communities more affordable to live.

“We had a great conversation this morning about ways in which we can open up more housing units and housing opportunities, whether it's in downtowns that maybe haven't seen the same level of investment. And in this era of remote work, that's not going to change. How do we re envision our downtowns, our town centers” said Ginther.

With the goal of putting their political parties to the side and working to better their communities, Ohio’s mayors said they are passionate about their people.