Obama Administration to Create Office of Urban Policy

"Despite the many national problems confronting the new administration, she continued, Obama remains committed to earlier pledges to establish such an office. 'Because he began as a community organizer on the South Side of Chicago, he understands at the local level is really where you can impact change and that local government can play a vital role as we try to jump start our economy,'" [Obama transition co-chair valerie Jarrett] said. "'So having somebody in the White House, because there are so many different agencies that really can impact urban America and to have one person whose job it is to really pull all of that together, is really a critical position. And there are plenty of terrific candidates for that spot.'"