Adolfo Carrión, Jr., The White House

The White House Office of Urban Affairs was created in response to President Obama's efforts to promote smart growth in urban cities. The issue of strengthening American cities is magnified due to the fact that the majority of the nation's population and assets are concentrated in those areas. For this purpose, the National Conversation on the Future of America's Cities and Metropolitan Areas was convened in Philadelphia, PA on July 23rd, 2009.

The effort focuses on creating a new vision for urban cities in America. Experts from diverse fields collaborated to propose solutions addressing current urban issues in the nation. A tour was organized to neighborhoods that exemplified the cause. The tour visited Parkside ShopRite at Park West Town Center. The supermarket is supported by the Fresh Food Financing Initiative (FFFI), an effort that introduces fresh food to underserved communities. The shop demonstrated FFFI's success in providing employment opportunities and healthy groceries, and improving the economic and social setting of the neighborhood.

The panelist exchange of FFFI's local efforts lead to the discussion of similar endeavors at the federal level, such as the "Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food" program by the Department of Agriculture. The Philadelphia Conservation was a fruitful kickoff to an ongoing series of community tours that bring together local innovators and Obama Administration staff to discuss potential community-based solutions to urban issues.