Around the Institute

Global Cities’ Challenges, Success Stories Discussed at CityLab Summit

October 7, 2013

Cities are growing. That statement is proven by the numbers — population growth and real estate demand are just a few factors. On October 6-8, the Aspen Institute, along with Bloomberg Philanthropies and The Atlantic, launched the inaugural CityLab summit for a series of conversations about urban ideas that are shaping the world’s metro centers.

More than 300 global city leaders such as mayors, city planners, architects and artists are attending the New York City conference. Many of the events are being live-streamed for the general public.

During the first session, panelists focused on stories of successful economic development in urban areas. In the video below, New York City Deputy Mayor for Economic Development and the Institute’s Chairman of the Board Robert K. Steel said one factor contributed greatly to the city’s continued growth.

“The public safety success makes New York a bigger city,” said Steel, also crediting smart long-term real estate development decisions and new methods of transportation such as the ferry and bike systems for New York’s population growth.