The President
The White House
Washington, DC
Dear Mr. President:
I am pleased to present The State of the Cities 1999. In 1997, you directed HUD to report annually on the social and economic vitality of America's cities. Last year we focused on the key opportunity gaps facing cities -- in education, jobs, and housing. This year's report says the record breaking economy has lifted many cities across the country, but there is still substantial work to do -- and as you have stated, now is the time to do that work. This report highlights the major challenges facing our Nation's cities and metropolitan regions as we approach the new century -- challenges such as high poverty, a lack of jobs, and a sustained loss of population -- and it provides a roadmap of solutions.
Last year's State of the Cities sent a clear message about what America's communities need. On the HUD front, our agenda of solutions included such proposals as the first new rental housing vouchers in four years, an increase in FHA loan limits, and funding for a new round of Empowerment Zones (EZs). Working closely with Congress, HUD secured 50,000 vouchers to address worst case housing needs and support families moving from welfare to work, historic public housing reform, the higher FHA loan limits, funding for the new EZs, and much more -- all in all, the best HUD budget in a decade.
In 1999, jobs, homeownership, and local fiscal capacity are up, while crime and unemployment are down. These trends reflect continued economic growth coupled with the hard work of innovative local officials and of faith and community-based groups and businesses. Even with this progress, there is much work ahead. Too many of America's cities have been left behind and are facing significant challenges that require sustained investments at scale. Furthermore, many older suburbs are facing what we once considered "urban" ills. And newer suburbs are struggling with the consequences of sprawling growth. In light of these common struggles, a growing number of local leaders from cities and counties, from urban as well as suburban communities, recognize that their interests and destinies are linked.
As you and Vice President Gore have said, we now have an extraordinary opportunity, given the progress of our economy and the vision and commitment of local partners, to tackle the challenges that remain. Cities are home to some of America's greatest untapped markets for business investment, and vital urban economies are the key to ensuring that all of our metropolitan regions are strong enough to compete in a global marketplace.
The comprehensive agenda that you submitted to Congress earlier this year, in the form of the Fiscal Year 2000 federal budget, is designed to help cities and suburbs address their remaining challenges. With the resources, incentives, and innovative solutions that we propose, we can partner with the private sector, reach the places left in the shadows, and extend the bright light of opportunity to all. I look forward to working with you and the Congress to ensure that our cities and metropolitan regions receive the bold and timely investments needed.
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