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Office of Intergovernmental Affairs Blog

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Baltimore’s New Generation of Social Innovators

At an event on social innovation in Baltimore, we profiled young social entrepreneurs and reviewed the Administration’s and Aspen Institute's relevant work.
June 7, 2016 at 9:00 AM ET by Broderick Johnson, Walter Isaacson

States and Local Leaders Join the Push for Free Community College

Since the President's call to action, state and local elected officials have taken action to expand free community college programs across the country.
April 25, 2016 at 9:06 AM ET by Jerry Abramson

Working hand-in-hand with county leaders to build a brighter future for rural kids and families

Today, the Administration announced new efforts to build on ongoing progress to combat rural child poverty.
February 23, 2016 at 12:26 PM ET by Shaun Donovan, Cecilia Muñoz, Jerry Abramson

Here’s How Communities Used Innovative Ideas to Get Covered This Open Enrollment Period

At the end of the most recent Affordable Care Act open enrollment period, the White House has announced the winner of its Healthy Communities Challenge.
February 12, 2016 at 12:19 PM ET by Jerry Abramson

With Two Weeks Left of Open Enrollment, Here's How Healthy Communities Are Paving the Way

With two weeks left in this Affordable Care Act open enrollment period, the White House has announced the updated rankings of its Healthy Communities Challenge.
January 15, 2016 at 3:44 PM ET by Jerry Abramson

The Police Data Initiative: A 5-Month Update

Since the launch in May, five additional agencies have committed to opening key data on police interactions with their communities.
October 27, 2015 at 4:01 PM ET by DJ Patil, Jerry Abramson, ROY AUSTIN

The President’s Trip to Alaska: Reflections from an Alaskan Staffer at the White House

Alaska Native Raina Thiele reflects on the President's historic and unprecedented three-day trip to Alaska.
October 5, 2015 at 5:18 PM ET by Raina Thiele

States and Cities Taking Action on the Minimum Wage

Governor Gina Raimondo just signed a bill that will raise the minimum wage for Rhode Islanders. Governor Raimondo’s signature continues a trend of local governments and communities helping those who work hard day-in and day-out to put food on their tables and a roof over their heads.
June 24, 2015 at 10:36 AM ET by Jerry Abramson

10 Cities Making Real Progress Since the Launch of the 21st Century Policing Task Force

May 18, 2015 at 7:26 PM ET by Jerry Abramson

Email from Jerry Abramson: "Today's Conversation with the President"

Jerry Abramson, Director of Intergovernmental Affairs here at the White House, explains how the tensions that have recently erupted in communities such as Ferguson and Baltimore are not solely tied to policing, but are also linked to the lack of economic opportunity.
May 13, 2015 at 3:12 PM ET by David Hudson

DOT Helping Cities Build a Step Up the Ladder of Opportunity

April 23, 2015 at 12:53 PM ET by Secretary Anthony Foxx

What They're Saying: Mayors Across the Country Endorse President Obama’s Trade Agenda

Take a look at what mayors from across the country are saying about the President's trade deal.
April 15, 2015 at 6:00 AM ET by Jerry Abramson

This Friday: Tech Meetup at the White House

On Friday, April 17, the White House will host local leaders from all across our “Innovation Nation” at the first-ever White House Tech Meetup.
April 14, 2015 at 4:55 PM ET by Megan Smith, Jerry Abramson

State and Local Officials Urge Congress to Pass Long-Term Infrastructure Bill

State and local officials understand that passing a long-term infrastructure bill is not only the right thing to do for the country, it’s just common sense.
July 15, 2014 at 7:20 PM ET by David Agnew

State and Local Officials Join the President in Year of Action to Raise the Minimum Wage

In the year since the President first called on Congress to raise the federal minimum wage, 10 states and the District of Columbia have passed laws to increase the minimum wage. Without waiting on Congress to act, Connecticut, Maryland, and Hawaii are lifting their minimum wages to $10.10 an hour, and other states and localities are considering similar legislation.
May 6, 2014 at 5:18 PM ET by David Agnew

Welcoming More Than 250 Mayors to the White House

Last week, the White House hosted over 250 mayors for a day of events at the White House. Check out pictures from the day.
January 31, 2014 at 12:40 PM ET by Kellyn Blossom

Global Trade Grows Main Street

U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Michael Froman talks about his work with mayors to expand trade and create local jobs.
January 24, 2014 at 3:15 PM ET by Michael Froman

Task Force on Climate Preparedness and Resilience Hosts Inaugural Meeting

From Alabama to Guam, from Los Angeles to Philadelphia, state, local, and tribal leaders are on the front lines of dealing with extreme weather, sea level rise, and other impacts of climate change.
December 16, 2013 at 2:08 PM ET by David Agnew, Nancy Sutley

Mayors to Highlight Impact of National Service

Corporation for National and Community Service CEO Wendy Spencer shares how mayors are highlighting the impact of service across the country.
December 2, 2013 at 1:55 PM ET by Wendy Spencer

Time for Commonsense Immigration Reform

San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee explains why now is the time for commonsense immigration reform.
November 25, 2013 at 2:56 PM ET by Edwin M. Lee

White House Welcomes New American Leaders

In November, the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs hosted officials from the New American Leaders Project to discuss immigration, education and healthcare.
November 25, 2013 at 2:43 PM ET by David Agnew

Our Nation’s Elected Official Veterans

From City Halls to Indian Country to State Capitols throughout this country, some of America’s veterans are continuing their public service as elected officials.
November 11, 2013 at 10:19 AM ET by David Agnew

President Obama’s State, Local, and Tribal Leaders Task Force on Climate Preparedness

Across America, states, cities, and communities are taking steps to protect themselves from extreme weather and other climate impacts. President Obama signed an Executive Order to establish a Task Force of state, local, and tribal leaders to advise the Administration on how the Federal Government can respond to the needs of communities nationwide that are dealing with the impacts of climate change.
November 1, 2013 at 5:42 PM ET by Nancy Sutley and David Agnew

A Nation of Immigrants: Welcoming New Americans to the United States

David Agnew shared his experience at a Naturalization Ceremony in Alexandria, Virginia.
September 20, 2013 at 5:09 PM ET by David Agnew

Chattanooga Mayor Discusses President Obama's Economic Vision

In anticipation of the President’s visit, Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke authored an op-ed on the President’s economic vision and how it continues to help strengthen middle class families in his city.
August 1, 2013 at 10:30 AM ET by Elias Alcantara

Recognizing Leaders in Youth Job Creation

Leaders all over the country have stepped up and provided opportunities for America's youth to find jobs.
July 24, 2013 at 9:36 AM ET by Danielle Gray and Jonathan Greenblatt

State and Local Leaders Press Case for Commonsense Immigration Reform

Elected officials support comprehensive immigration reform. Here's what they're saying about it.
July 23, 2013 at 5:45 PM ET by David Agnew

Know Anyone Who Helps Youth Find Jobs? They Might Be Invited to the White House!

We're announcing the first White House Youth Jobs+ Champions of Change event and asking for your nominations.
July 16, 2013 at 10:16 AM ET by Valerie Jarrett and Danielle Gray

Local Officials Help Welcome More Than 7,800 New Citizens During Independence Day Celebrations

One week after the United States Senate passed a bipartisan immigration bill, local officials helped celebrate Independence Day by participating in naturalization ceremonies to welcome new American citizens.
July 4, 2013 at 12:17 PM ET by David Agnew

Responsibility to Future Generations: Renewable Energy Development on Tribal Lands

David Agnew meets with leaders of the Moapa Band of Paiute Indians and the Moapa Solar Project.
June 25, 2013 at 6:18 PM ET by David Agnew