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Cities stand at the intersection of the major challenges of the 21st century. Globalization, climate change, mass migration, and rapid urbanization have converged to pose disproportionate pressures on urban centers. Over 55% of the world’s population now lives in cities, a number due to rise to 70% by 2050. As today’s cities adapt to these challenges, it is estimated that more than 60% of metropolitan regions that will exist in 2050 have yet to even form.

These global pressures affect individuals and systems on the local level, in the cities where they live. While presidents and prime ministers must slowly navigate national and international politics to reach a consensus on solutions, mayors and city leaders are already innovating and deploying new ideas, and making the investments that will provide tangible benefits for their citizens. With cities leading the conversation and driving the most impactful solutions, they must recognize the urgency of planning meaningfully now.