Eight of the 10 largest cities gained population in the 1990s. New immigration and renewed interest in city living have added millions of new residents to America's cities, helping to fuel economic development in their regions. With unprecedented access to capital, booming retail opportunities, and astonishing reductions in crime, many major cities are now growing at a faster rate than their suburbs. In most major cities, unemployment, crime, and the welfare rolls are down, while jobs, income, and fiscal health are up. Cities are centers of key industries, particularly new economy sectors, that constitute a disproportionate and growing share of the national economy.
Wages are higher and growing faster in cities than in suburbs and small towns.
Many cities, including Boston, are taking the necessary steps to restore fiscal confidence, improve public services, and create a healthy environment for business growth. As they work toward reducing taxes and regulations, cities are improving the quality of life for their residents by improving neighborhoods and cultural attractions. Business leaders, university presidents, and mayors across the country are building a bipartisan leadership network of cross-sector partnerships through a new organization called CEOs for Cities. We are united by the belief that cities can be the primary source of regional and national advancement. We have already used our network to identify successful local development strategies and to share best practices on issues that range from innovative school reform to attracting and retaining high technology.