Economic Development
- Gain the tools needed to build stronger urban economies
- Apply data to economic development problem-solving
- Develop a catalog of best practices for what works in cities
The 21st century is the century of the city. We come together in cities, to live and to work, to play and to create. With more than half the world’s population currently living in cities—more than three billion people—and an estimated 60 million more moving to cities every year, cities are cauldrons of human creativity. The building of competitive, prosperous, and sustainable cities is the grandest of the grand challenges facing our world. Simply put, we will need new and innovative thinking brought to the forefront of urban economic development. Working with some of the leading economic development and city practitioners across the world, students will gain the skills, insights, and expertise needed to build more creative, innovative, and sustainable cities.
Global Cities
Gain key insights into the challenges and trends impacting the world’s cities, including increased urbanization and social and equity divides.
Placemaking and Placekeeping
Learn best practices and approaches in creative placemaking, including neighborhood revitalization, public space use, and street-level programming.
Resilient Cities
Learn new approaches to building cities that incorporate climate and sustainability policies, physical development, and environment protection.
Startup Cities
Study various models and approaches for supporting innovation and startups in urban environments, including incubator and accelerator best practices.
Tools and Techniques for Understanding Urban Economies
Gain key insights into effective economic development research methods and associated strategies for communities.
Economic Development Principles and Partnerships
Learn how communities can establish ecosystems that foster cultural, entrepreneurial, civic, scientific, and artistic creativity.