The council’s purpose is to be an effective force for leading a Philadelphia area senior level interagency team that:  1) promotes agency collaboration and coordination (i.e., encourage partnerships, synergies, leveraging of resources);  2) directs a coordinated response to Presidential initiatives; and 3) informs and supports the Philadelphia area community as appropriate.  To that end, The council sponsors monthly meetings to inform federal and community leaders on policy issues, current initiatives, events and activities in the federal and local communities that may be relevant; educates them on the missions and work of the various agencies; and, as appropriate, promotes partnerships with federal agencies and local community organizations that may be mutually supportive in carrying out their respective missions.  Federal and community feedback to issues under discussion is also an important element of these meetings.