More than 250 cities are already participating in the GCIF’s knowledge network and the GCIF’s database is anticipated to include 500 cities by 2015 and 1,000 cities by 2020. The GCIF’s database comprises 115 indicators across a standardized set of definitions and methodologies, which enable cities to track their effectiveness on everything from planning and economic growth to transportation, safety and education. Having standardized metrics for decision makers in cities around the world creates a common platform for achieving sound policy and improved quality of life. These metrics are critically important because there is currently no data that conforms to a standardized methodology, which makes comparisons across the world’s cities difficult. Originally established with funding from the World Bank, the CGIF is developing standardized metrics for the global comparison of cities. The GCI will house the Global City Indicators Facility (GCIF)-a world leading research centre for urban metrics, governance, and policy.

The recently launched Global Cities Institute (GCI)-under the leadership of newly appointed Director, Professor Patricia McCarney-will help meet the demand for better tools for designing and planning cities by providing globally comparable data, strategic analytics, and synthetic media to model alternative urban futures. With cities around the world growing rapidly and many struggling to meet the even the basic needs of citizens, there is an imperative for understanding what makes successful cities tick. Envisioning a better future for cities around the world.

Global city network definition