Standing Room Only in San Francisco

Posted by Julia Klaiber on September 16, 2010

Times of great challenges also present great opportunities. As we face great challenges, from mounting unemployment to polarization of citizens to climate change, cities offer our best hope for creative solutions. The path to our nation’s success runs right through cities, but to get there requires strategic decisions now on how to chart a smart future.

But who will make these decisions?

The traditional model of leadership is in cities is rapidly changing, and productive civic capability is emerging from citizens who don’t necessarily carry titles that make them easy to identify. Enabled by technology, civic leadership is becoming less institutional and more cause-driven and episodic.

That's why CEOs for Cities and SPUR are convening the second Urban Next Summit next week in San Francisco. We believe the future should be shaped by those who will inhabit it. Next week, more than 100 brave new thinkers from around the country and Canada will come together to become part of a powerful new narrative on the future of cities that are of, by and for us.

With the generous support of the Walter & Elise Haas Fund and the Koret Foundation, the Urban Next Summit will energize a new set of champions for urban life in America. Be sure to check back for outcomes of this exciting dialogue.

Originally posted on the US blog. Follow the US Initiative at www.ofbyandforus.org.