The Most Important Factors Shaping Cities’ Success

Posted by Julia Klaiber on October 24, 2011

What are the most important factors shaping the success of cities today? Terry Mazany, President and CEO of the Chicago Community Trust and former Mayor Daley's appointed interim Chief Executive Officer of the Chicago Public Schools says "educational attainment." CEOs for Cities' Talent Dividend researchs makes an empirical case for the same. Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett points to a strong urban core, even if you choose to live in the suburbs. ("People who live in the suburbs are finally catching on that you can't be a suburb of nothing.") CEOs for Cities co-founder and board chair Paul Grogan, President and CEO of The Boston Foundation, says cities exist to provide opportunities to people and need to function as the "up" escalators in our society. Watch this and other videos of CEOs for Cities partners weighing in at the 2011 Fall National Meeting in Chicago.