The selection of Pope Leo XIV highlights how social network analysis can reveal hidden influence within complex institutions. This approach, known as Network Science, has broader applications: cities and regions can map relationships, identify key players, and empower connectors to drive economic growth and resilience in uncertain times.

The IIJA, IRA, and CHIPS Act sparked historic federal investment in infrastructure, clean energy, and industry. But complex funding strained local governments. As federal support shifts, sustained local capacity and partnerships are vital to keep progress moving.

Since the launch of Houston's Department of Government Efficiency, leaders like Angela Blanchard and Steven David have been working to transform how the city prepares for crises and delivers public services. Highlighting Mayor Whitmire’s commitment to accountability and resilience, this work includes a deep operational overhaul, major infrastructure investments like reliable power for critical facilities, and a candid reckoning with Houston’s vulnerability to climate disasters.

The Fogo Island retreat, hosted by Shorefast and the Canadian Urban Institute, brought together community leaders and capital providers to explore how to better align global investment with local economies. Set in a community revitalized by Zita Cobb’s place-based model, the retreat highlighted the power of local sourcing, import-replacement, and integrated economic development.

The California Procurement Playbook is a first-of-its-kind analysis of how Latino-owned businesses in California - the world's 4th largest economy - are faring in the federal procurement economy, and how much opportunity remains untapped.

In 1959, President Eisenhower called for national goals and highlighted the need for shared responsibility across government levels. His “marble cake” model of federalism, showing the overlap of federal, state, and local roles, remains relevant today as states and cities take on more responsibility in complex policy areas like housing and defense.

Federal retrenchment is triggering fiscal, economic, and structural shocks nationwide, forcing local and state leaders to navigate cascading impacts and lead regional responses as federal support pulls back.

The United States is undergoing a rapid, uncoordinated defederalization, where responsibilities traditionally held by the federal government are being shifted to states, localities, and other sectors without a clear plan or adequate support.

As federal funding shifts from investment to cuts, local governments must act now. Conducting “stress tests” will help assess risks, engage stakeholders, and develop response plans. Proactive planning ensures communities can adapt and protect essential services amid fiscal uncertainty.

The National Housing Crisis Task Force has released tools to help communities tackle the housing crisis. The State and Local Housing Action Plan highlights innovative strategies in land use, capital, construction, regulation, and governance. With reduced federal support, state and local leaders can use these tools to boost housing production and affordability. Initial tools focus on zoning reforms, tax incentives, and modular construction.

The Trump Administration’s policy shifts have created financial uncertainty for cities and states. NYC’s Comptroller analyzed the city’s reliance on federal funds, highlighting risks to entitlement programs, public services, and infrastructure. This model can help other municipalities assess their fiscal exposure. With federal cuts now a reality, local governments must prepare for the impact.

The U.S. housing system, long supported by consistent federal policies, faces unprecedented uncertainty due to recent government shifts. While programs like the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit and Housing Choice Vouchers have historically underpinned affordable housing, new administrative actions threaten to disrupt this stability.

In light of recent federal disruptions, cities and metropolitan areas must unite and take charge to protect their economies and residents. Local leaders need to organize quickly, collaborate across sectors, and adapt to the challenges ahead. This new localism requires agility and coordination to defend against federal changes, leverage opportunities, and ensure long-term prosperity. The time to act is now.

Housing investment lags as private capital prioritizes data centers amid AI growth. Despite a shortfall of over 20 million units, systemic barriers like overregulation and high costs deter new development. A complete reimagining of the housing ecosystem is crucial to address this urgent need and unlock its potential as a major investment opportunity.

Opportunity Zones have attracted over $100 billion in investments, addressing local issues like housing shortages. Moving forward, a "2.0" version is proposed to adapt to market changes like the real estate crisis and industrial growth. Effective local leadership and targeted investments are key to ensuring these zones create lasting, sustainable economic impact.

The resurgence of U.S. semiconductor manufacturing is driven by complex financial structures combining federal incentives from the CHIPS Act, state and local contributions, and private capital, supporting not only fabrication facilities but also infrastructure, workforce development, and research initiatives, exemplifying a collaborative model for revitalizing the industrial sector.

Opportunity Zones, introduced by the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, are designed to attract private investment to distressed communities. In six years, Opportunity Zones have sparked $100 billion in investment, particularly in housing development. Alabama's Opportunity Alabama (OPAL) has emerged as a successful model, mobilizing local and national investments, with a focus on building a sustainable capital access ecosystem.

England's experiment with metro mayors aims to decentralize power from the highly centralized government, allowing local leaders to better address regional challenges. However, true devolution requires three key steps: granting fiscal autonomy to mayors, involving them in industrial policy design, and empowering them to compete globally. This would enable cities to drive local growth and reduce the gap between London and other regions, marking a true shift in governance.

Pittsburgh is well-positioned to lead in "physical AI," leveraging its strong robotics and AI ecosystem, academic institutions like Carnegie Mellon, and innovation initiatives. Challenges like limited venture capital persist, but the city’s resources could drive advancements in defense, healthcare, and infrastructure.

The election of Donald Trump and a Republican-controlled Congress heralds a period of volatility for U.S. cities and metropolitan areas.