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EO 13503Executive OrderObama · D

Executive Order 13503

Establishment of the White House Office of Urban Affairs

This executive order creates the White House Office of Urban Affairs within the Executive Office of the President to coordinate federal urban policy across departments and agencies. The Office is tasked with developing a comprehensive urban policy agenda, ensuring federal spending in urban areas is effective, and engaging with state/local officials and private stakeholders.

Federal Register Open PDF 74 FR 8139

Key directives

  • Establish White House Office of Urban Affairs within Executive Office of the President
  • Provide leadership and coordinate development of urban policy agenda across executive departments and agencies
  • Coordinate all aspects of urban policy
  • Ensure federal dollars targeted to urban areas are effectively spent on highest-impact programs
  • Engage in outreach with state/local officials, nonprofits, and private sector
  • Director shall report jointly to Assistant to the President for Intergovernmental Affairs and Public Liaison and to Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy
  • All executive departments and agencies shall cooperate with and provide information to the Office

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Office established within Executive Office of the President
  • Director position created reporting to Assistant to the President for Intergovernmental Affairs and Public Liaison and Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy

Near term (90d)

  • Staffing and organizational setup
  • Initial coordination with listed departments and agencies

Long term

  • Development of comprehensive urban policy agenda
  • Ongoing coordination of federal urban policy across executive branch

Risks & tensions

  • No statutory authority or dedicated appropriations created; Office exists at will of President and subject to 'availability of appropriations'
  • Dual reporting structure for Director may create coordination challenges
  • Broad coordination mandate without enforcement mechanisms beyond voluntary cooperation
  • Explicit disclaimer that order creates no enforceable rights or benefits
  • Potential tension with OMB's budgetary authority preserved under Section 6(a)(ii)
Executive Order 13503: Establishment of the White House Office of Urban Affairs · Executive Orders