Mayors from Ohio's 30 biggest cities and suburbs are forging an alliance to fight for more government investment in urban infrastructure and job creation.
They also want to dispel negative stereotypes about cities.
The bipartisan Ohio Mayors Alliance was announced Friday. Its representatives met this week with legislative leaders, Attorney General Mike DeWine and members of Gov. John Kasich's staff.
Democratic Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley says work began last year. She says the project follows years of living without a comprehensive urban agenda while enduring steady cuts to the state local-government fund.
Democratic Cincinnati Mayor John Cranley says mayors want to correct the mistaken impression at the Statehouse that cities cost taxpayers money when they create 8 in 10 jobs.
The group has 20 Democrats and 10 Republicans.