Urgency of Now In New Orleans, the birthplace of jazz, innovative solutions to old problems have become a reality. Since the failure of the levees in August of 2005, the entire world turned its attention to our great city. As we fought the emotional and financial pain to return, we did not wait while the federal, state and local government failed to act as the safety net we needed. Instead, citizens, along with the business, non-profit and faith-based communities responded to the crisis. Now, we have a chance to take that energy from the Recovery Sector and move it into a position of municipal leadership. One of the most inspirational leaders in the recovery sector is now running for mayor. He is a New Orleans native, an African American leader committed to bringing all communities together, a passionate advocate for affordable and equal housing and an accomplished manager. His name is James Perry and his election as mayor of New Orleans will be a statement that the kinds of changes we are seeing on a national level, can also take place on a local level. A rejuvenated New Orleans, with strong leadership, accountable government and an engaged citizenry can be a model for how we can make this country a better place, even when facing some of its greatest challenges.