[ONLINE] – COVID: The End of Big Cities or the Dawn of a New Era?

Cities are changing, fast. The pandemic brought an exodus from urban areas at the same time as reimagined living conditions to those who stayed, among them bicycle-friendly areas, outdoor dining and shopping zones, and buyer- and renter-friendly markets.

What permanent effects can we expect once COVID is in the rearview mirror? Will cities decline, simply “return to normal,” or chart a path to something else entirely? Join The Progress Network for a conversation with Penny Abeywardena, NYC’s Commissioner of International Affairs, and Richard Florida, one of the world’s leading urbanists, as they assess the future of big cities in the short- and long-term.

We’ll discuss whether remote work is here to stay, how cities can address the economic harms of COVID, whether the pandemic is truly a tectonic shift away from dense urban areas or not, where it might make sense to move or invest, and more.

Speakers:

Penny Abeywardena
Commissioner, NYC Mayor's Office of International Affairs

Richard Florida
Founder, Creative Class Group

Zachary Karabell
Founder, The Progress Network