Representatives from 11 municipalities discussed legislative, regional and local issues that face all their communities, such as health-care costs, land-use planning, and economic development.

"My belief is that if we're able to speak with one voice it's going to allow for greater economic development in this area," said Erick Cook, mayor of Fairfield.

Cook compared the forum to community efforts made in Northern Kentucky to help draw business to the area.

"Through collaboration you have a much stronger voice in what develops in the region," he said.

Mason Mayor Peter Beck started discussions about a regional collaboration when he was elected last year.

"Being new at the job, I thought it would be a great opportunity to learn from other communities," he said.

Beck said he expects participation to grow, and that at least 10 other mayors have expressed interest.

Beck and another Warren County mayor, Ernie Lawson of Waynesville, got the forum started.

"I'm just so excited for the opportunity to bring all the mayors together. I'm not worried about the numbers," Beck said. "I think that we can do a lot for the Tricounty area and other areas as we evolve."

The forum will meet bimonthly on the third Friday, rotating host communities. The next meeting will be at 7:30 a.m. Nov. 19 at the Fairfield Municipal Center, 5350 Pleasant Avenue.

"If we're going to learn about regional issues, we need to be in those communities and see their issues," Beck said.

Representatives from Oxford, Fairfield, Franklin, Middletown, Waynesville, Monroe, Blue Ash, Montgomery, Woodlawn, Wyoming and Mason attended.