There are six ways cities can put in place the building blocks to kick-start and build more resilient, inclusive and productive economies as we emerge from the COVID-19 crisis.

1. Cities should plan for the exit from lock-down and a new test-trace-isolate phase. They will need to adapt their transport systems (i.e. ensuring public transport is not overcrowded, or reallocating road space to pedestrians) and buildings to enable this.

2. Cities need to help shape and deliver stimulus funding packages that work for their region, combining the right balance of social, health, infrastructure, housing and economic growth projects focused on kickstarting economic recovery

3. Cities could back innovators and entrepreneurs to work together to tackle societal and health challenges. They can also provide support to firms that are responding to new markets and opportunities, for example home deliveries, medical equipment, and online services.

4. Work on re-imagining town and city centres should gather pace. The crisis is accelerating the shift from “bricks to clicks” in retail, and the leisure sector has been hit hard. Towns will need support in transitioning to a new economic future including repurposing of existing assets and investment in new sectors.

5. This crisis is going to lead to considerable job losses. Cities can play a pivotal role in mobilising the skills system to help people gain new skills and connect them to new jobs created.

6. Finally, cities can learn from this crisis to build a different economy. The recent shifts in working practices could used to demonstrate that actions to tackle climate change are possible. Volunteer networks to support vulnerable people could be maintained. Cities can strengthen support for key workers and people in less secure jobs.

Read more of our thoughts on planning for a post-pandemic world