By Tom McClimon
May 11, 2009

Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter joined New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine, White House senior economic adviser Jason Furman, historian Doris Kearns Goodwin and others at a New York University Wagner forum held April 24 on “Presidents Obama’s First 100 Days: Implications for Urban America.” Organized by the Robert F Wagner School of Public Service, the forum was attended by 100 public service leaders, journalists and professors who took part in the original, lively, and thought-provoking sessions.

Nutter participated in a panel discussion with Adam Nagourney of The New York Times and Mark Whitaker of NBC News. The Mayor gave the new President a “B-plus/A-minus” and listed a number of the President’s accomplishments in healthcare and alternative energy investment. He added that the President and his administration have been strikingly accessible and sensitive to the concerns of mayors. “They know where cities are,” Nutter stated.

The conversations and audience questions focused on the President’s attempts to stabilize a reeling national economy, his evolving leadership, the enormous public support his actions have elicited, and the immediate and long-range challenges facing cash-pressed cities and states.

“The most important thing that he has done is he has restored respect and confidence in the office of the presidency,” said Corzine, referring to President Obama.

The U.S. Conference of Mayors and the Wagner School at New York University are partners in addressing urban issues and mayors’ needs.