WHEREAS, Albuquerque was established April 23, 1706 as a Spanish colonial outpost; and

WHEREAS, the villa de Albuquerque was named by the Spanish Provincial Governor Cuervo y Valdes in honor of the Duke of Albuquerque, Viceroy of New Spain; and

WHEREAS, in 1846 the area was claimed as a U.S. territory when an army post was established in the city during the Mexican War; and

WHEREAS, Albuquerque has contributed greatly as a crossroads of cultures during its three hundred years, while now also considered a world class center for the arts; and

WHEREAS, Albuquerque today is a thriving multicultural gem that contributes to national defense through such world class facilities as Kirtland Air Force Base and Sandia National Laboratories as well as to international relations through such world renowned events as the International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta; and

WHEREAS, Albuquerque is also developing as a hub of aviation manufacturing as well as an incubator for emerging industries such as nano-technology and renewable energy;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that The U.S. Conference of Mayors commends Albuquerque on the occasion of its tri- centennial celebrations, with the very best wishes for more success during its next 300 years.