NLC CEO Clarence E. Anthony joins urban expert Greg Clark for a global conversation on local leadership, sustainable development and the future of communities.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — As cities around the world confront housing affordability, emerging technologies and changing community needs, local leaders are looking toward the future while learning from the past. In the latest episode of the National League of Cities’ CitiesSpeak with Clarence Anthony podcast, NLC CEO and Executive Director Clarence E. Anthony joins Greg Clark, host of the Century of Cities podcast, to explore how cities have evolved since 1980 and what urban communities could look like by 2080.
Recorded at the 2026 World Cities Summit in Singapore, the conversation examines the growing influence of local leadership, the importance of international collaboration and the challenges cities must navigate to build sustainable, inclusive communities. Clark, an expert on cities, urban investment and sustainable urban transitions, guides the discussion through a century of urban change and the opportunities ahead.
Throughout the conversation, Anthony emphasizes the importance of putting residents at the center of urban planning, strengthening partnerships across sectors and learning from local leaders around the world. He also discusses how cities can embrace innovation while ensuring that technological advances and new development benefit residents of all backgrounds.
What Local Leaders Should Know
People-Centered Development Must Guide the Future of Cities
As communities plan for 2080, Anthony stresses the importance of ensuring that investments in housing, transportation and infrastructure benefit all residents. He cautions that improvements intended to strengthen neighborhoods can also increase housing costs and create barriers to opportunity if affordability and inclusion are not considered from the beginning.
“We have to make sure that we think about equity and think about all residents that live in communities.” — Clarence E. Anthony
Emerging Technologies Must Serve Residents and Strengthen Local Decision-Making
Anthony explores how artificial intelligence, data and new technologies will influence the way cities operate, from permitting and planning to infrastructure investment. He encourages local leaders to engage residents as these tools are introduced and to consider how technology can improve services while addressing concerns about access and community impact.
“How do you ask the question to make sure again it’s people-centered?” — Clarence E. Anthony
Global Collaboration Gives Local Leaders New Tools to Address Shared Challenges
Reflecting on the World Cities Summit, Anthony highlights the value of connecting American mayors with their counterparts around the world. From housing and transportation to public health and economic development, he explains how local leaders can exchange ideas and adapt successful approaches to their own communities, regardless of population or geography.
“No matter what happens at the national level, you always have each other city to city.” — Clarence E. Anthony
The conversation also explores the evolution of American cities since 1980, the growing role of mayors in shaping community development and the partnerships needed to build thriving communities for generations to come.
Listen to the full conversation, also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube.
About CitiesSpeak
Each episode of NLC’s podcast, CitiesSpeak with Clarence Anthony, dives into a critical issue facing local leaders today, featuring conversations with elected leaders and policy experts from across the country. The podcast is a relaxed and entertaining resource for local policymakers looking for ideas and information to bring back to their communities. The podcast is hosted by NLC CEO and Executive Director Clarence Anthony, who previously served as mayor of South Bay, Florida, for more than two decades.
New episodes of CitiesSpeak are available on all major podcasting platforms and on YouTube. If you have feedback for the show or ideas for future guests, email us. Happy listening!
