Stand With Cities

U.S. cities are at a crossroads. Urban centers around the nation have become increasingly stressed since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, and even before this historic occurrence, there was evidence that urban centers were stagnating. The COVID-19 pandemic has led urban residents of large cities to relocate to suburban areas and sprawling areas in the hopes of avoiding the virus. But is this a temporary solution or are we experiencing a fundamental shift in U.S. lifestyles? #StandWithCities will discuss why the success of our nation is largely entwined with the continued growth of our cities. Urban centers provide a lifeline and soul to the U.S. economy and its position in a rapidly growing and globalized market. 85 percent of U.S. GDP is generated by cities, with over 50 percent coming from our top 25 metropolitan areas alone. Our cities are also rich in history, art and culture, and diversity, offering much-needed channels for innovation and creativity. Tune in to hear how civic, city, state, and business leaders are joining forces to strengthen the position of U.S. urban centers to drive innovation, increase equity, foster a competitive workforce, support sustainability, offer dynamic lifestyles and ensure that we emerge from this crisis stronger, smarter and more resilient than ever before.