Investing in Stronger Cities and Stronger Regions for a Stronger America

Tuesday, I spoke to the National Urban League to celebrate their long running dedication to the idea that economic empowerment can elevate underserved urban communities.  I also discussed how the President’s vision for how America can win the future means making sure all our neighborhoods, cities and regions – and the men, women and children who live in them -- are well-equipped for the 21st century.  Economic growth needs to be inclusive and the opportunities for upward mobility should be widely shared. Through this Administration’s new place-based approach, we are making smart investments and encouraging smart planning as demonstrated by the Partnership for Sustainable Communities; we are helping create communities where people want to live and do business with efforts like the Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative; and we are strategically investing in our future through place-based efforts like the Regional Innovation Clusters Initiative.

The President has said that strong cities are the building blocks of strong regions, and strong regions are essential for a strong America.  The investments that we’ve made to strengthen our economy, revitalize our communities, and strengthen our education system will leave our country – and all her citizens -- standing on stronger ground than ever before.

To read the full remarks, please click here.