The state of our cities continues to be strong even in these troubled times. Right now, mayors are battling the twin challenges of a public health crisis precipitated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic fallout that the novel coronavirus has wrought on our nation’s communities. Mayors have been on the frontlines serving as stalwart leaders – together with the essential workers and the fire, police, sanitation, and public health employees – guiding our cities through this storm. This journey is far from over, and our essential cities will recover and rebuild.

What this year’s State of the Cities analysis reveals is that local leaders have been and will continue to provide residents and businesses with the tools, through targeted investments, not only to strengthen our economy, but also in ways that are more equitable, sustainable and forward-thinking.