State and local government groups, including the National Governors Association, National Conference of State Legislatures, National Association of Counties, National League of Cities, United States Conference of Mayors, Council of State Governments and the International City/County Management Association are opening a forum for industry leaders from the telecommunications, cable, satellite and Internet sectors this Wednesday in Washington, D.C.

Participants will discuss issues surrounding the evolution of communications technology and a framework that will lead to a joint effort by industry and government to guide state and federal policymaking and legislative priorities in the future. The meeting will focus on the current status of state and local tax structures, not regulation. The meeting is to take place Dec. 15 at approximately 3:15 p.m. EST in room 233 at the Hall of the States, 400 N. Capitol St., Washington, D.C.