Centre for Cities

Event catch-up: the first 100 days – what should be at the top of the West Midlands Mayor’s in-tray?

Full audio of our event in the Library of Birmingham discussing priorities for the new Mayor of the West Midlands, who will be elected in May 2017. The discussion touched on the need to build consensus across the rivalries in the region, how the Mayor can gain more powers to deliver for their electorate, and how to improve awareness of the office ahead of the vote.

On the panel were Gisela Stuart, MP for Birmingham Edgbaston, Paul Faulkner, Chief Executive of the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, Marc Reeves, Editor of the Birmingham Mail, and Gill Bentley, Lecturer in Urban and Regional Economic Development at the University of Birmingham. The event was chaired by Andrew Carter, Deputy Chief Executive of Centre for Cities.

Event catch-up: the first 100 days – what should be at the top of the Sheffield City Region Mayor’s in-tray?

Full audio of our event in Sheffield discussing priorities for the new Mayor of the City Region, who will be elected in May 2017. The discussion touched on the need for the Mayor to secure a "quick win" in order to demonstrate they can deliver to voters, the need to address low pay in the region, and the impact of Brexit on current local growth plans.

On the panel were Lord Blunkett, Former MP for Sheffield Brightside and leader of the city council, Dr Craig Berry, Deputy Director of the Sheffield Political Economy Research Institute at the University of Sheffield, and June Smith, Membership and External Affairs Manager at EEF Yorkshire and Humber. The event was chaired by Alexandra Jones, Chief Executive of Centre for Cities.

City Talks: Are big cities more productive?

In this episode of City Talks, Andrew looks at the economic theory of 'agglomeration' – the idea that the productivity of cities increases with size. The conversation explores the reasons why we see this phenomenon, as well as some of the misunderstandings that can arise when trying to measure its impact. Also touched on is the bearing agglomeration has on the Government's Northern Powerhouse initiative, the need to ensure that economic growth is inclusive, and how the vote to leave the European Union might affect urban policy going forward. Joining Andrew are Alexander Lembcke, Economist and Policy Analyst in the OECD’s Directorate for Public Governance and Territorial Development, and Henry Overman, Director of the What Works Centre for Local Economic Growth.

Event catch-up: the first 100 days – what should be at the top of the Greater Manchester Mayor’s in-tray?

Ahead of the elections for a Greater Manchester Mayor in May 2017, Alexandra Jones chaired a public event in Manchester Town Hall on what their priorities should be in the first 100 of taking office. The panelists were Andy Burnham MP, Prospective Labour candidate for Mayor of Greater Manchester, Prof Francesca Gains, Professor of Public Policy at the University of Manchester, and Clive Memmott, Chief Executive of the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce.

The discussion touched on how the new Mayor can encourage greater participation in local democracy, the challenges following the vote to leave the European Union, and proposals to create a 'cabinet of the North' formed of mayors of northern city regions who will be able to champion and deliver the Northern Powerhouse.

Event catch-up: The first 100 days - what should be at the top of the Liverpool City Region mayor's in-tray?

Ahead of the elections for a Liverpool City Region mayor in May 2017, Alexandra Jones chaired a public event in Liverpool with panelists:  Joe Anderson, mayor of Liverpool, Janet Beer Vice Chancellor, University of Liverpool and Michael Houghton Managing Director Process Industries and Drives, Siemens.

With the Devolution Deal and its accompanying metro mayor firmly underway in the Liverpool city region, this event sought to take the debate forward and ask what the people of the Liverpool city region want from their mayor, what the priorities should be, and  how this can be achieved in the years to come.