Breakout Cities
July 28, 2022
Breakout Cities are investing in new industries and ideas to build the future.
As America rebuilds its economy and infrastructure after the pandemic, the nation’s Breakout Cities are investing in new industries and ideas to build the future.
CityAge has identified some of the major patterns among leading Breakout Cities, and we’re thrilled to return with a new series of events that profile their leadership.
Breakout Cities are re-investing in homegrown industries. They’re developing a talented workforce in partnership with local businesses and investing in placemaking that prioritizes quality of life and culture. They’re challenging dated notions of who can be an entrepreneur, and they’re building robust networks of city leaders and organizations to build opportunity and move their economies forward.
And they’re taking advantage of supportive trends. Infrastructure legislation is funneling money into municipalities, venture capital funding is shifting beyond Silicon Valley, Boston, and New York, and remote work has broadened the possibilities for Americans looking to settle down somewhere new.
Lasting recovery from the pandemic relies on cities seizing this moment. Join CityAge, in collaboration with The Kauffman Foundation, as we bring together the leading Breakout Cities who are building America’s new economy.
Themes of Discussion include:
- How inclusive entrepreneurship builds up regional economies
- How to leverage generational investments in infrastructure to build local economies
- How city leaders can support women and minority-owned businesses
- The role of urban design and the 15 minute neighborhood in attracting talent and encouraging entrepreneurship
- Accelerating innovation districts in every size of city
- Case studies of Breakout Cities leading the way
PRESENTED BY
SPEAKERS & GUESTS
Mary Ellen Wiederwohl
President & CEO Accelerator for America
Shelley Dickstein
City Manager Dayton, OH
Ben McAdams
Former Member of Congress, Mayor of Salt Lake County, Utah State Senator, Current Senior Fellow, Sorenson Impact Center
Brad Cavanagh
Mayor, City of Dubuque, IA
Miles Sandler
Director of Policy and Engagement, Public Affairs Kauffman Foundation
Christopher Cabaldon
Former Mayor, West Sacramento, CA
Sharon Ebert
Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, Economic Development and Planning, Richmond, VA
Brian Platt
City Manager, City of Kansas City, MO
Lafayette Crump
Commissioner of City Development, City of Milwaukee, WI
Anil Nathan
Expert Associate Partner, McKinsey & Company
Michele Wildman
Executive Vice President for Economic Development Incentives, Michigan Economic Development Corporation
GwendolynTillotson-Bell
Deputy Director, Economic Development Department, City of Houston, TX
PROGRAM
Anchor Welcome & Introduction
Opening presentation: Mary Ellen Wiederwohl, President & CEO, Accelerator for America
Panel: The Breakout Cities On Our Radar
A look at some of the U.S. cities leading the way in shaping the new economy. How are they using their unique economic strengths, innovative design, and community engagement to accelerate their growth?
- Brad Cavanagh, Mayor, City of Dubuque, IA
- Sharon Ebert, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for Economic Development and Planning, City of Richmond, VA
- Michele Wildman, Executive Vice President of Economic Development Incentive, Michigan Economic Development Corporation
- Gwendolyn Tillotson-Bell, Deputy Director, Economic Development Department, City of Houston, TX
- Panel Host: Christopher Cabaldon, Former Mayor, City of West Sacramento, CA
Presentation: Ben McAdams, Former Member of Congress, Mayor of Salt Lake County, Utah State Senator, Current Senior Fellow, Sorenson Impact Center
Presentation: Miles Sandler, Director of Policy and Engagement, Public Affairs, Kauffman Foundation
Panel: How Inclusive Entrepreneurship Builds Breakout Cities
Inclusive economic growth is essential to becoming a Breakout City. How are cities across America building economies that include everyone, by intentionally supporting small, minority and women-owned businesses, and expanding job and education opportunities?
- Shelley Dickstein, City Manager, City of Dayton, OH
- Brian Platt, City Manager, City of Kansas City
- Lafayette Crump, Commissioner, Department of City Development, City of Milwaukee, WI
- Moderator: Anil Nathan, Expert Associate Partner, McKinsey & Company