RALEIGH — Gov. Pat McCrory says it's important to him to work closely with mayors of North Carolina's largest municipalities because the towns and cities are economic engines in the state's recovery.

McCrory met Tuesday at the Executive Mansion with about 20 leaders of the Metro Mayors Coalition who came to Raleigh. McCrory says it was a treat to meet with the mayors — he was Charlotte mayor for 14 years until 2009 and a coalition founder.

The governor says he, the mayors and Cabinet officials talked about transportation, land use and tax policies among others. He says he'd also like to see big cities communicate more with their rural small-town neighbors about their economic strategies.

Coalition chairwoman Raleigh Mayor Nancy McFarlane said her colleagues look forward to more dialogue with McCrory.