Mid-size cities have populations of 100,000 to 300,000 in a regional consolidated metropolitan statistical area (CMSA) or a metropolitan statistical area (MSA) of about one million people. Mayors, urban experts, university professors, foundation representatives, and the media participated in the meeting, which was co-hosted by Partners for Livable Communities and Cornell University.

Participants left with a conviction that there is a "uniqueness about being 'mid-size' that calls for a new identity, a new awareness, a new consciousness and a new partnership among these special places." Johnson said, "I think mid-size cities are overlooked and I think there are a lot of best practices that occur in mid-size cities that don't get picked up nationwide."

Participants echoed Johnson's remarks throughout the meeting. Coles said, "We've had our challenges when we've engaged the federal government for grants on all kinds of issues."

With the general position that mid-size cities' challenges and potentials should be explored, the meeting concentrated on defining a mid-size city, regionalism and smart-growth, economic/community development, and governance. Presentations on each topic were followed by discussion. Small groups also explored future activities for mid-size cities.

Other mayors attending the Rochester meeting included Erie Mayor Richard Filippi, Jackson Mayor Harvey Johnson, Jr., and Grand Rapids Mayor John H. Logie. Kodak CEO Daniel Carp spoke at a dinner for the participants on the challenges of and opportunities for mid-size cities in the world economy.