Conclusion
While important challenges lie ahead for America's cities and metropolitan regions, the progress of the last 6 years shows what we can accomplish with a clear focus and with the resources to make a difference. Most importantly, we must sustain America's economic growth and extend that growth to the places thus far left behind in the new economy. Moreover, we cannot think in outdated categories or be limited by historical divides.
The Nation's record economic expansion and the success of the FY99 budget have given us two great gifts. First, they have shown us what is possible. Second, they have opened a window of tremendous opportunity to extend prosperity to all. The President's budget, now before Congress, is a bold move into that window -- a comprehensive agenda for seizing on the positive trends and addressing the problems that remain.
The Federal Government, too often part of the problem in the past, needs to be part of the solution if cities, and the metropolitan regions that cities anchor, are to overcome the challenges that face them and ensure a high quality of life for all. Beyond the discussion of trends, this report outlines an agenda for making the Federal Government a valuable partner as metropolitan America enters a new century. That agenda reflects the Administration's commitment to work with Congress, empowering local communities as they prepare for that new century and for critical new roles in our national life.
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