Overhead view of colorful cityscape

How data and community engagement can create more equitable cities

In this episode of The city citizen podcast, the speakers explore how leaders can improve equity and resilience to deliver better outcomes for all.

Amid a rolling wave of urban change – climatic, demographic and economic – what is the emerging blueprint for a city shaped by the needs of its citizens? The main message of this episode of The city citizen — a sustainable cities special — is the importance of making decisions collectively with and by citizens, not for them. 

For episode eight, Meghan Mills, EY Strategy and Operations Leader – Government and Public Sector, hands the hosting baton to FT Longitude’s Megan Wright. Mark Atherton, Director of Environment for Greater Manchester Combined Authority, describes how the city is using data and digital technologies to reach more people and better target its green initiatives. Michael Fassnacht, CEO of World Business Chicago and Chief Marketing Officer for the City of Chicago, calls out the role of business leaders in bringing opportunities to underserved areas. And Meghan Mills highlights why leaders need to be clear about the purpose of urban programs and accountable for the results.

Key takeaways:

  • Equity and community engagement are central to increasing citizens’ opportunities and reducing their vulnerability. 
  • Part of improving equity is reassessing how city leaders and planners help their cities withstand the effects of climate change. 
  • Digital technologies can help cities reach more people, while private, public sector partnerships can help them understand and meet citizens’ needs.

You can also listen to this podcast on Amazon MusicApple Podcast and Spotify.

A full text transcript of this podcast is available­­­­­­ too. Read the transcript.

Presenters

Meghan Mills
EY Global Government & Public Sector Strategy & Operations Leader; EY Global Sustainability and Green Economies Leader and Future Cities Co-Leader

Podcast

Episode 8

Duration 19m 04s

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In this series

Series overview
(Event List - Manual)

How data and community engagement can create more equitable cities

In this episode of The city citizen podcast, the speakers explore how leaders can improve equity and resilience to deliver better outcomes for all.
Podcast

Episode 8

Duration
19m 04s

Presenters

Meghan Mills

EY Global Government & Public Sector Strategy & Operations Leader; EY Global Sustainability and Green Economies Leader and Future Cities Co-Leader

Why collaboration and accountability are key to achieving climate goals

In episode seven of The City Citizen, former CFO and Treasurer for the City of Toronto, Heather Taylor discusses achieving effective budget outcomes with Meghan Mills.
Podcast

Episode 7

Duration
14m 52s

Presenters

Meghan Mills

EY Global Government & Public Sector Strategy & Operations Leader; EY Global Sustainability and Green Economies Leader and Future Cities Co-Leader

How creative thinking and bold action are transforming Port of Spain

In the sixth episode of The City Citizen, Joel Martinez, Mayor of Trinidad’s Port of Spain, talks to EY’s Meghan Mills about applying innovative approaches to rejuvenate the city.
Podcast

Episode 6

Duration
10m 48s

Presenters

Meghan Mills

EY Global Government & Public Sector Strategy & Operations Leader; EY Global Sustainability and Green Economies Leader and Future Cities Co-Leader

How Warsaw is becoming a sustainable city for all

In this episode of The City Citizen podcast, Michał Olszewski, Warsaw’s Deputy Mayor, describes the city’s efforts to improve the quality of life for all citizens.
Podcast

Episode 05

Duration
12m 25s

Presenters

Meghan Mills

EY Global Government & Public Sector Strategy & Operations Leader; EY Global Sustainability and Green Economies Leader and Future Cities Co-Leader

How one city is creating partnerships to realize growth and climate goals

In the fourth episode of The City Citizen, Kate Gallego, Mayor of Phoenix, talks to Meghan Mills about Phoenix’s journey to become the most sustainable desert city in the US.
Podcast

Episode 4

Duration
15m 39s

Presenters

Meghan Mills

EY Global Government & Public Sector Strategy & Operations Leader; EY Global Sustainability and Green Economies Leader and Future Cities Co-Leader

How hosting the Olympics is helping a fast-growing city meet its needs

In the third episode of The City Citizen, Adrian Schrinner, Lord Mayor of Brisbane, talks to Meghan Mills about realizing the opportunities of hosting the 2032 Summer Olympics and Paralympic Games.
Podcast

Episode 3

Duration
22m 09s

Presenters

Meghan Mills

EY Global Government & Public Sector Strategy & Operations Leader; EY Global Sustainability and Green Economies Leader and Future Cities Co-Leader

How one city used leadership, culture and collaboration to drive change

In the second episode of The City Citizen, Meghan Mills shares the secrets of Helsingborg’s sustainable transformation with its former Mayor, Peter Danielsson, and Gerald Babel-Sutter, co-founder and CEO of Urban Future.
Podcast

Episode 2

Duration
17m 56s

Presenters

Meghan Mills

EY Global Government & Public Sector Strategy & Operations Leader; EY Global Sustainability and Green Economies Leader and Future Cities Co-Leader

How sustainable city projects can have a ripple effect beyond borders

In the first episode of the City Citizen podcast, Asli Pasinli, CEO of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) in Turkey, shares her passion for urban sustainability.
Podcast

Episode 1

Duration
15m 45s

Presenters

Meghan Mills

EY Global Government & Public Sector Strategy & Operations Leader; EY Global Sustainability and Green Economies Leader and Future Cities Co-Leader