Tacoma Mayor Victoria Woodards has endorsed Michael Bloomberg for president, according to release sent by Bloomberg on Friday.

Bloomberg, billionaire and former mayor of New York, announced his candidacy for president in November as part of the Democratic Party.

“I proudly endorse Mike Bloomberg based on his experience leading America’s largest city and his commitment to strengthening our nation and all its communities. That’s the kind of leader our country needs more than ever,” Woodards is quoted as saying in the release.

Woodards confirmed her endorsement to The News Tribune on Friday.

Woodards met Bloomberg over the summer at the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Institute. She was one of 40 mayors around the globe selected to attend.

The initiative was in part created by Bloomberg as part of a collaboration with Harvard Kennedy School, Harvard Business School and Bloomberg Philanthropies to “inspire and strengthen city leaders.”

Woodards said she has not donated to Bloomberg’s campaign.