The 2022 Forecast kicked off with a fireside chat featuring Michael Nutter, the former Mayor of the City of Philadelphia. The interview was conducted by John Grady, SVP and Northeast Region Executive of Wexford Science + Technology. Their captivating conversation was filled with humor and valuable insights summarized below.

Mayor Nutter reflected on the challenges that the pandemic has posed on cities. This was very different from the challenges of a recession and much more difficult to govern through.  Tremendous turmoil, instability, and navigating difficult transitions has taken a huge toll on mayors throughout the country. Yet this leadership is crucial during these times: cities are still vibrant incubators which bring people together. Nutter explained that those running for office will be stepping into a very different context than what we’ve seen in the past and must rise to the expectations of the kinds of leadership that is needed in order to move forward with optimism.

The former Mayor challenges the city to make new, bold goals and get as many people focused on those goals as possible. There’s a lot of work to be done to achieve safe neighborhoods, address issues of poverty, and provide housing affordability. The government cannot do it alone.

Nutter points out that Philadelphia has historically been a city that has made progress even during times of great challenges and struggles. The skyline we see today did not exist 35 years ago, yet we’ve gone through some major tragedies during this time. The city continues to transform and remake itself, adjusting to exterior and interior circumstances—some of which we cannot control. We are resilient. We have grit, and Gritty is a testament to the pride we have in our ability to unite and get behind this city.

Leadership is not just in City Hall. It’s a place where others have stepped up the challenges. There are tremendous assets in this city, including Eds and Meds, quality of life, and competitive bones. We need to continue to build on them and not be afraid to promote ourselves.

In response to the money that is coming in from the federal infrastructure plan, Nutter urges us to take the time to plan and be intentional with where it’s best invested. He urges us to leverage private sector dollars and other programs to build capacity and find ways to keep our public institutions accountable.

We are at a critical point. Disruption creates opportunity and now is the time for true leaders to step up.

Contributed by Ramune Bartuskaite. Ramune is an Architect at JKRP Architects and CEO of Spec Matters.  She is a 2018 ULI Philadelphia Etkin Johnson Scholar, and current Co-Chair of the Women’s Leadership Initiative.