![President Obama's Final State of the Union, Jan 12, 9pm ET](https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/sites/obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/files/tout_images/sotu2016_featured_blog.jpg)
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.
Melody Barnes is Director of the Domestic Policy Council.