Agenda item

a)    Future of Cities Microsite (Verbal Update)

b)    Update on Urban Summit

a & b) Future of Cities Microsite (Verbal Update) & Update on Urban Summit

The Chair outlined the discussion, reminding Members they would follow the five themes: future of cities, levelling up, urban resilience, green jobs and growth funding. Eleanor Law, Adviser, introduced this item and outlined key points for consideration, including the draft agenda and potential speakers.

Members made the following comments:

·       It was noted the desire to invite both Michael Gove, Minister of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, and Lisa Nandy, Shadow Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. A Member said that if the Minister or the Shadow Minister are unable to attend, then it should be made clear that they can have another Member of their department represented.

·       A Member noted her pleasure at the inclusion of women in the programme of speakers.

·       A Member requested that efforts be made to ensure a plurality of parties on these panels, in order to ensure cross-party representation.

The Chair made several comments:

·       There is a growing realisation that people need to proactively work with cities as particular levers within the national and international economy.

·       It is important that the Board and the LGA should not end with different groups who are looking at cities and urban Britain having parallel conversations without engagement.

·       He asked if invitations had already been sent to key stakeholders. Eleanor Law confirmed that a save-the-date had been sent out to City Regions Board Members and all those who had previously taken part in the RSA’s Urban Futures Commission.

·       He invited the Board to offer suggestions of people they think would be interested in this agenda. He recommended Members contact them directly, but also send their names to the Policy Team.

·       He suggested that some of those key principals of the Urban Summit be represented at the LGA conference. Eleanor Law confirmed that a slot has been reserved at the LGA conference.

Decision:

Members provided a steer on the timings, draft agenda and suggested speakers proposed for the Urban Summit and would like to see an event at LGA annual conference.

Action:

Officers will invite speakers and attendees to the Urban Summit in line with the agenda outlined above.