The panel will focus on strategies for developing vibrant, inclusive, healthy central business districts (CBDs) in the post pandemic era, particularly in the context of the work-from-home reality. Panelists will explore approaches, such as office to residential conversions and creative use of ground floor space, that have been implemented in New York City and other global cities, as well as challenges and lessons learned along the way. The panel will delve into the current status of NYC's CBD neighborhoods, including Midtown, Midtown South, and Downtown, and highlight the importance of maintaining a healthy tax base. It will explore how to reinforce the city core amidst the trend of decentralization and debate the ingredients (uses, spaces, etc.) vital to creating a healthy, thriving CBD ecosystem. The panel will highlight successful examples from other cities around the world to provide broader context, with panelists sharing insights on strategies to increase office occupancy and discuss tools and techniques for creating more activity through new uses and conversions. Additionally, it will explore approaches for transforming the public realm to be more attractive and inviting.

This panel will explore the challenges and opportunities cities face with a focus on the U.S./North American context from a variety of different perspectives—economic, social, and governance. Many cities are incredibly desirable and expensive places to live. However, they are struggling with perceptions about safety, quality of life, underlying and persistent inequities, the economic health of city centers, and balancing budgets. What are the major shared challenges cities are confronting and how are they grappling with them? What new opportunities does this moment present? New York City has returned to pre-Covid unemployment levels (as of September 2023) but is grappling with a deepening affordable housing crisis, strained municipal budgets, and long-term climate risks, among other challenges. Is there an emerging playbook for addressing this moment? How is NYC handling these challenges? And, more optimistically, where are the opportunities?