Denver Mayor Michael Hancock will continue on with a new leadership role in the National Conference of Democratic Mayors .

Hancock, along with mayors from Dayton, Ohio, West Sacramento, California, and Austin, Texas, were elected as vice presidents of the group Thursday. Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti was elected president, Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser will be the conference’s new secretary, and Lavar Stoney, the mayor of Richmond, Virginia, will be treasurer.

“When I was elected to serve as President of the Democratic Mayors in 2018, I told my colleagues it was on us to lead where Washington wouldn’t,” Hancock said in a statement. “Every day since then, I’ve watched Democratic mayors step up and move their cities forward.”

“As I pass the torch to my friend Mayor Garcetti and shift to my new role as vice president,” he said, “I’m eager to help build on this momentum and ensure we deliver in 2020.”

Hancock this week joined more than 270 mayors across the country in the District of Columbia for the U.S. Conference of Mayors 88th Winter Meeting.

The bipartisan gathering is an “important way for cities across the country to stay connected with one another,” Bryan Barnett, USCM President and mayor of Rochester Hills, Michigan, said in a statement.

“It’s a unique opportunity for mayors – whether Democrat, Republican or Independent – to roll up their sleeves, brainstorm about how to solve similar problems, and share best practices,” he said. “As Washington remains mired in gridlock, mayors continue to work productively every day for the well-being of the people who live and work in their cities.”

The mayors discussed their priorities that will contribute “to the overall health of America’s cities,” according to a Wednesday press release. On the table were issues of gun violence prevention, climate change, immigration, youth engagement, affordable housing, the 2020 Census, economic mobility and infrastructure.

“While the federal government has taken a step back, it’s cities and mayors who are taking on the challenges Americans need solutions to,” Hancock said. “We’re on the ground with our residents every day focused on improving their quality of life, and this meeting is an opportunity to share with our colleagues new tools and innovative ideas to get things done.”