University President Peter Kilpatrick and Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela A. Smith led a gathering of regional safety leaders on July 9 inside Heritage Hall. (Catholic University/Patrick G. Ryan)
The Greater Washington Board of Trade, Greater Washington Partnership, Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, and the Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area came together on July 9 as the Potomac Conference, to relaunch and revitalize a long-standing public-private partnership addressing significant challenges and opportunities for the D.C. region.
More than 150 law enforcement, nonprofit, education, government, and business leaders from across the metropolitan area gathered inside Heritage Hall for a cross-sector dialogue and further cooperation on regional approaches to public safety challenges. The Catholic University of America was at the center of that discussion, serving as a host sponsor of the event, the latest example of the University’s integral role in thought leadership and planning for the future of Washington, D.C. In his opening remarks to this illustrious group, President Kilpatrick said the University has a natural interest in the overall safety of communities across the region.
“Our gathering here today underscores the importance of public-private partnerships in ensuring a safe and secure environment for our community,” he said. “Through these collaborative efforts, we can effectively address the significant challenges and opportunities facing our region. At Catholic University, we aim to foster a peaceful community because after all, blessed are the peacemakers.”
President Kilpatrick participated in a panel discussion with Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela A. Smith and praised the collaboration between the University and law enforcement. He hopes more bonds were fostered at the gathering at the University – the most important factor being communication and dialogue.
“This is maybe the first step in many years where a very significant cross-section of both the public and the private sectors in the greater region have gotten together to speak about public safety,” he said. “But we need to do this more often.”
Watch a replay of the gathering below.
