Even in the midst of this most unnerving economic period, there is a much to be hopeful and excited about. The Obama administration has recently launched a new initiative to redefine "urban policy” recognizing the importance of metropolitan areas to the nation's prosperity. At a White House Office of Urban Affairs roundtable held on July 13, 2009, President Obama called for the "reinvention" of America's cities and metropolitan areas and vowed to create a "new, imaginative, bold vision" for urban policy. Metropolitan areas are home to more than 80 percent of the nation's jobs and residents and 90 percent of the nation's economic production. Click here to view President Obama's remarks.
Working to improve the quality of life in American cities has long been central to the focus of the American Architectural Foundation, and we are optimistic that our programs will be called into service to support the President's visionary objectives. The changes and improvements we seek in our urban areas are ultimately decided and implemented by those local leaders who have been elected or appointed and empowered to shape the design of their city. Through the leadership development programs at the American Architectural Foundation and our partners, we seek to inform, educate and inspire these leaders to create cities that are both sustainable and functional and enhance the quality of life of the citizens who work, learn and live in them.
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