Center on Global Cities

Elevating global cities as central actors shaping world affairs and advancing city-based solutions to global challenges.

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Pritzker Forum on Global Cities

Urban leaders from around the world connect three times annually for this international forum cohosted with the Financial Times.

Pritzker Forum

Research

Policy reviews and recommendations offer ideas and plans for how cities and urban leaders can help solve global challenges.

Research

Commentary and Analysis

Experts share perspectives and analyses on the most critical issues facing cities today.

Commentary and Analysis

From the Center on Global Cities

RESEARCH Report

Democracy and the Life of Cities

This publication examines and challenges the role of cities in generating and strengthening democratic practices as authoritarianism rises across much of the world.

Infrastructure: The EU's Global Gateway Put to the Test

RESEARCH Working Paper by Alessandro Gili

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Chicago Must Confront its Conflicted Stance Toward Immigrants

In the News Chicago Tribune Valeria G. Castelli

Center on Global Cities Initiatives

An aerial view of a power plant at night, with the moon in the background

Transforming Industrial Regions of North America and Europe

This report summarizes the Transforming Industrial Regions of North America and Europe symposium, including strategies to rebuild economies and stem anti-democratic populism.

The Pattis Family Foundation Global Cities Book Award

The Pattis Family Foundation Global Cities Book Award aims to improve our collective knowledge of actors, communities, and/or institutions that significantly shape global cities.

Cities, Infrastructure, and Geopolitics Project

China, the US, and the EU are all seeking to influence urban spaces beyond their borders as infrastructure becomes critical to great power competition.

Meet the Experts

All Center on Global Cities Experts

Samuel Kling

Fellow & Director of Global Cities Research

Samuel Kling joined the Council as a Mellon/ACLS Public Fellow before transferring to his current role as a fellow and director of global cities research. His research focuses on mobility and urban planning policies, and how historical perspective can inform policymaking today.

More about Samuel

John Austin

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Global Midwest

John Austin is a nonresident senior fellow of Global Midwest at the Council, with expertise in global cities and North America. He spent 16 years in elected service on the Michigan State Board of Education, serving as president for six years. Currently, he directs the Michigan Economic Center, a center for ideas and network-building to advance Michigan’s economic transformation.

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Alaina Harkness

Nonresident Fellow, Global Cities

As executive director for Current, Chicago's water innovation hub, Alaina Harkness leads a team working to grow the blue economy, accelerate innovation, and solve pressing water challenges. She most recently served as managing director for the economic development firm RW Ventures, where she helped develop inclusive growth strategies for cities and metropolitan regions.

More about Alaina

All Center on Global Cities Experts

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Global Cities Events

Strengthening Regional Economies for a Sustainable Midwest

PAST EVENT

Ahead of the Cities Summit of the Americas, the Council brings together local and national leaders to explore policy priorities for a sustainable Midwest.

We Will Chicago: Economic Development

PAST EVENT

The final public engagement event in the We Will Chicago series gathers local and international leaders to discuss models of equitable economic development.