Cities are central to the economic prosperity of OECD countries. As hubs of talent, firms, innovation and investment, they drive productivity growth, job creation and higher living standards. Yet across many cities, access to quality jobs, education, affordable housing, transport and essential services remains uneven.
Addressing these challenges can be an important factor in unlocking the full productive potential of urban populations, enhancing competitiveness, and improving well-being.
This report on What Works for Inclusive Growth in Cities builds on the OECD’s longstanding work on Inclusive Growth, which seeks to better understand how to generate prosperity while broadening opportunities. Developed in co‑operation with the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy (DG REGIO), the report responds to growing demand from policymakers for practical evidence on how to translate inclusive growth ambitions into effective action. Drawing on the OECD’s extensive expertise in urban development and the OECD Champion Mayors for Inclusive Growth initiative, it identifies policy approaches and lessons from a diverse range of cities, including many that have benefitted from EU funding support, such as the EU Cohesion Policy. It is also informed by relevant EU frameworks such as the European Pillar of Social Rights.
Designed as a practical resource, this report is accompanied by three case studies – focusing on people at risk of poverty or social exclusion, youth and people with a migrant background – and a selection of city good practices (available online). Together, these resources aim to support local and national policymakers in designing and implementing effective inclusive growth strategies that expand access to opportunity. They also help shape a shared OECD-EU narrative on how inclusive growth policies can simultaneously reinforce both economic performance and quality of life in cities, offering guidance grounded in tested policy approaches and identifying enabling factors.
By advancing the objectives of major OECD and EU frameworks, such as the OECD Principles on Urban Policy, and the EU Agenda for Cities, this report contributes to a broader effort to equip cities with the knowledge, tools and inspiration to tackle the challenges and opportunities ahead. Its findings will also inform discussions on the future of EU Cohesion Policy and its role in driving economic growth and social inclusion in EU cities.