Transforming America’s Cities: Creating a National Urban Policy, the first panel discussion in the MAS series The City in the Age of Obama, will take plan next Tuesday, April 21. About 80 percent of Americans live in urban areas, yet for decaades the Federal government lacked a comprehensive approach to developing and implementing an effective strategy concerning urban America. In February, President Obama created the White House Office of Urban Affairs, now led by former Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrion, to oversee all federal urban programs and integrate policies that link transportation, housing, economic development, energy and environmental issues. A panel of policymakers, academics and practitioners will discuss how stakeholders can capitalize on this opportunity to fundamentally rethink our federal urban policy and ensure that smart investments are made at the municipal level.

Vicki Been of the Furman Center for Real Estate and Urban Policy, New York University, will moderate the panel. Speakers include Eugenie Birch, University of Pennsylvania; Christopher Jones, Regional Plan Association; Toni Griffin, City of Newark; Anthony Shorris, Rudin Center for Transportation Policy and Management. 

Tuesday, April 21, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m., at the Municipal Art Society. $15, $10 MAS members. Purchase tickets online or call 212-935-2075.