Remote Work and Thriving Cities

Major American cities now face a pivotal moment as remote work continues to reshape where and how people live. Over the past few years, large numbers of individuals have shifted from downtown areas to suburbs or smaller communities, reducing tax revenues and placing renewed pressure on essential public programs. This trend is particularly evident in sectors like finance and technology, with traditionally bustling centers such as San Francisco feeling the effects most acutely. Public officials and community leaders now grapple with how best to sustain vital services—ranging from schools to housing assistance—amid declining foot traffic and office activity.

In light of these developments, this project aims to bring an evidence-based perspective to the pressing issues surrounding remote work’s impact on urban well-being. Rather than viewing work-from-home as a passing phase, we consider it an enduring feature of the labor market that calls for thoughtful policy responses. By linking broad datasets and engaging directly with local leaders, our team hopes to shed light on how shifting employment patterns influence core aspects of city life, including housing demand, commercial real estate, and transportation.

Our broader goal is to collaborate with policymakers in shaping tax structures, zoning regulations, and public-service funding mechanisms that can adapt to new realities in the workplace. Drawing on economic research, we intend to help cities navigate a path toward stability and inclusivity. Ultimately, by working closely with government agencies, practitioners, and community members, we hope to outline strategies that support neighborhood services, and keep city centers economically dynamic despite evolving work arrangements.