The Transatlantic Cities Network (TCN), the signature project of GMF’s Comparative Domestic Policy (CDP) program, provides a framework for the exchange of information about innovative policies, best practices, and local policy challenges among a diverse network of policymakers, practitioners, and civic leaders who are well-positioned to put new ideas into practice in their home cities.

Selected Cities

The TCN currently includes representatives from twenty-five core cities in the United States and Europe. Cities are selected to participate in the TCN by the CDP program in conjunction with an expert Advisory Committee, based on cities’ potential to share innovative policy solutions in certain key policy areas, as well as to benefit from the experiences of other cities in different policy areas.

TCN Representatives

The TCN is unique among urban policy networks in that its representatives, who serve as the main point of contact and organizing force for their cities’ participation in the network, are leaders in their communities with significant experience crafting, implementing, and influencing effective policies that address challenges common to many cities. Current TCN representatives work in government, business, academic institutions, and community foundations.

TCN representatives have been selected for their deep involvement in particular policy areas, as well as their broad engagement with a broad spectrum of policy issues in their communities. They have demonstrated significant leadership in their own careers, and have strong personal and professional networks with the capacity to connect innovative ideas and solutions with the individuals who can implement them.

TCN Policy Focus Areas

TCN representatives have selected four policy focus areas for the network. Within each policy focus area, some TCN cities have implemented innovative policy solutions, while others name that area as a particular challenge. As with the network as a whole, this diversity of experience creates the greatest potential for valuable exchange and learning.

The TCN’s four current policy focus areas are:

• The Educated City
• The Affordable City
• The Sustainable City
• The Integrated City

These four policy focus areas encompass key challenges facing cities in the TCN and across the United States and Europe, including mobility, affordable housing, workforce training, and sustainable economic development.

The Transatlantic Cities Network is made possible by the generous support of the Bank of America Foundation, the Compagnia di San Paolo, and the Ford Foundation.