What does Philadelphia have in common with southeastern Kentucky and the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma? The city is now the public face of President Obama's new promise--to combat poverty. 

In his State of the Union Address last year, President Obama spoke of partnering with 20 hard-hit towns that needed to get, "back on their feet." 

"There are communities in this country where no matter how hard you work, it is virtually impossible to get ahead," President Obama said in February 2013. 

Today, the White House released the names first five areas that will henceforth be know as Promise Zones. Federal employees will be dispatched to deal with San Antonio, Los Angeles, the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, the entire region of southeastern Kentucky and Philadelphia in the name of the President of the United States.

These rural and urban areas alike are graced with the President's recognition for unbroken poverty cycles, joblessness and ineffective education systems. 

The plan is for community organizations to partner with the federal government to access tax credits for local businesses to hire workers and invest in Promise Zones. 

Nearly $800 million will be invested across areas in education, housing redevelopment and public safety. Federal personnel will be dispatched to Promise Zones to consult and advise local leaders. 

Just 20 areas in total will be chosen over the next four years as targets for throwing money at high levels of poverty as economic inequality continues to grow across the nation.