About The Speaker
Frank COWNIE
Maire de Des Moines (USA), Président ICLEI
The Honorable T. M. Franklin Cownie,
Mayor, City of Des Moines, Iowa
Des Moines, Iowa Mayor T.M. Franklin Cownie, born and raised in Des Moines, became a member of Council in January 2002. In January 2004, he was sworn in to the mayor’s office and is Des Moines’ longest-serving mayor.
Mayor Cownie serves in leadership roles on the local, national, and international stages representing issues that he is most passionate about – elimination of nuclear weapons, local control, green initiatives, jobs, and the economy. A few of his leadership roles include: ICLEI USA Board of Directors since 2009; ICLEI Global Executive Committee North America Regional Representative since 2012, ICLEI e.V. Board Vice President since 2015 and current interim President of ICLEI; President Obama’s State, Local and Tribal Leaders Task Force on Climate Preparedness and Resilience; National Urban & Community Forestry Advisory Council Committee Member (2010-2012); Mayors Innovation Project Steering Committee Member since 2008; Mayors for Peace United States Vice President since 2017; and United States Conference of Mayors Board of Trustees Executive Committee since 2010.
He works diligently with his fellow council members for sustainable growth in the city towards producing long-term benefits to the community. His goal has always been to build a brighter future and a better community for generations to come.