The Century of Cities welcomes Professor Philip McCann, Sir Terry Leahy Chair of Urban and Regional Economics at Alliance Manchester Business School, for part 1 of a 2-part conversation.  Philip explains the shift from economic convergence to divergence within regions and investigates the implications for national growth. He draws attention to the challenges of agglomeration without growth, where cities grow in size but not productivity. He discusses the role of global trade, demographics, and climate change in shaping future urbanization patterns while providing strategic advice for policymakers in thriving and struggling regions. 

Uma Adusumilli, an architect and former chief planner of the regional planning division of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), joins us for the latest episode of The Century of Cities. Drawing on decades of experience, Uma looks into India’s urban journey, from the cultural shocks during the 1980s to the challenges of today’s crowded megacities. Uma reveals the rise of medium-sized cities as growth hubs, the promise of rural revitalization, and how population stabilization by 2050 could redefine infrastructure and governance. Learn how India’s evolving city system, including decentralizing power from significant metropolises like Mumbai, creates a more balanced urban landscape. Uma shares hard-earned lessons on planning new cities, fostering community, and innovating with infrastructure. She also looks ahead to 2080, envisioning a future shaped by AI, shifting demographics, and sustainability. 

In this episode, we’re delighted to be joined by Astrid R.N. Haas, a feminist urban economist whose career spans Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Astrid reflects on her journey from Kampala’s vibrant yet fragmented streets to her current base in Hong Kong, drawing lessons from Southeast Asia’s rapid urbanization. Focusing on urban finance, she unpacks how historical policies like Structural Adjustment Programs still shape African cities today and why financing infrastructure requires political courage and innovative thinking. Astrid also shares her unique perspective on how feminist principles can transform cities, shifting urban planning to be more inclusive, equitable, and courageous. She challenges conventional ideas, discussing how cities often fail to meet diverse needs and why Africa’s urbanization, happening at an unprecedented pace and under significant constraints, could drive global innovation.

In this episode of The Century of Cities, we are joined by Professor Cheong Koon Hean, one of Singapore’s most influential urban planners and architects. As the Chair of the Lee Kuan Yew Centre for Innovative Cities, she has shaped Singapore’s evolution into a global leader in livability, sustainability, and economic competitiveness. She explores Singapore’s transformative journey, beginning in the 1980s, a time of slums and budding nationhood, to today’s role as a powerhouse in global trade and innovation. Looking ahead to 2080, Koon Hean offers a bold vision for cities grappling with critical challenges such as climate change, evolving geopolitics, and the emergence of mega-cities. Learn how Singapore’s strategic long-term planning, creative resource management, and commitment to balancing social harmony with economic progress have become a blueprint for urban success. From addressing low fertility rates to pioneering floating data centers and AI-driven smart cities, this episode is packed with insights that are both visionary and practical.

Dag Detter, Principal at Detter & Co., renowned global advisor, and author of Public Net Worth, joins The Century of Cities to reveal how cities worldwide sit on vast, untapped gold mines of public assets. He explains how outdated accounting methods and fragmented management practices hinder cities from unlocking their financial potential and shows how transforming these assets could address critical challenges such as climate change, aging populations, and infrastructure gaps, all while reducing reliance on taxes. Drawing on real-world examples, Dag illustrates how professional asset management and innovative thinking can generate unprecedented value for urban centers. Discover how cities can begin this journey with a simple asset map and why taking swift, decisive action is vital for building a financially resilient future. 

If you are interested in being on the show, contact us. We'll be releasing a very special listener series in the new year!

In this episode of The Century of Cities, we’re joined by Lewis Dijkstra, leader of the Urban and Territorial Analysis Team at the European Commission's Joint Research Centre. Lewis takes us on an eye-opening journey, exploring how European cities have bounced back from their 1980s decline to become thriving hubs for young people and families. He discusses the critical issue of affordable housing in cities like Paris and London, where skyrocketing demand is met with stalled construction. Lewis also addresses the rising tension between residents and tourists in high-demand areas, shedding light on the structural challenges that hinder urban growth. He explains why some cities thrive while others struggle and how movements like YIMBY could reshape urban landscapes. From Europe's shrinking populations to the explosive growth of African cities, Lewis offers insights into global urban dynamics and why cities must be at the heart of a greener, more equitable future. This is a compelling conversation about creating urban environments that work for everyone.

The Century of Cities welcomes Diane Hoskins, a renowned architect and Global Co-Chair of Gensler. Diane helps us step into the future of cities as she unveils the firm’s bold vision to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2030 through innovative strategies like the Gensler Product Specification (GPS). She highlights the transformation of underutilized office spaces into vibrant mixed-use residential hubs and shares how sustainable materials, smart transport systems, and community-centric designs reshape the urban landscape. Diane also discusses the critical role of regulation, global-local collaboration, and design diversity in creating cities that are not just functional but also profoundly human. 

Greg and Jen are delighted to sit down with Mary Rowe, President and CEO of the Canadian Urban Institute, for episode 11 of The Century of Cites. Mary brings decades of expertise to explore the evolution and future of Canadian cities. She examines how urban landscapes have transformed, from Toronto’s 1980s transit strikes to today’s challenges in bridging urban-rural divides. She shares her belief in place-based investments and the power of community, arguing that Canada’s cities must prioritize public spaces, social infrastructure, and local partnerships to build resilience. Focusing on renewing civic spaces as national assets, she offers a compelling vision for cities to be thriving, inclusive ecosystems designed to meet the challenges of tomorrow.

The Century of Cities welcomes Alan Berube, a nonresident senior fellow at Brookings Metro, who examines the transformation of U.S. cities from the deindustrialization and suburbanization challenges of the 1980s to the bustling tech hubs, legacy industrial cities, and affordable, up-and-coming areas we see today. Alan discusses the forces of population growth, climate change, regional leadership, immigration, technology, and federal policy shaping unique urban identities. Whether you’re intrigued by policy or urban design, this episode highlights the significant trends shaping American cities over the coming decades.

Dr. Parag Khanna, Founder and CEO of AlphaGeo, an AI-based geospatial predictive analytics platform and international best-selling author, joins episode 9 of The Century of Cities. Parag shares his compelling perspectives on cities that have transformed into sprawling hubs, like Dubai and Shenzhen, and emerging cultural centers, such as Berlin and Toronto, redefining the urban landscape. He explores the forces shaping city life, from shifting demographics and climate pressures to the spread of digital nomadism, highlighting how these elements demand fresh thinking. He discusses everything from the historical roots of urban growth to the forward-looking possibilities of flexible, multi-city lifestyles and the rise of regional destinations with distinct identities. Join us for a rich discussion on how cities can adapt to serve a diverse, mobile population, all while building resilient infrastructure and fostering a sense of belonging.