Introduction by Gensler

Gensler launched its first City Pulse study in 2020 during the first weeks of the global pandemic . In alignment with Gensler ’ s core mission to make a positive impact in the cities and communities in which we work , and the Gensler Research Institute ’ s mandate to conduct investigations and collect data in support of these goals , we felt a keen responsibility to research how the public health crisis and resulting lockdowns would affect and influence urban life . As we continued the research into 2021 , and while headlines around the world proclaimed the death of cities , we set out to discover what might keep them alive . Leveraging these ongoing data collections , we were able to identify the statistical drivers of whether or not a person was planning to stay in their city or relocate .

We found that neighborhood design – where people feel that their neighborhoods are beautiful , authentic , clean and pedestrian-friendly – is a positive driver in attracting and retaining residents . Similarly , employment opportunities and job / career growth also make people want to stay in their cities . However , ‘ big city ’ problems like noise , crowds and a loss of cultural heritage are likely to make people want to move . Affordability challenges at the city and neighborhood level can also drive urban residents away .

This report begins by revisiting those four factors , illustrating how global perceptions have shifted in 15 global cities between 2021 and 2023 . Next , we take a closer look at findings from Austin , San Francisco , New York , London , Mexico City and Singapore . We examine how some cities that thrived during the pandemic

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