About Key Cities

Urban living in the UK With 27 cities of all shapes and sizes all around the country, Key Cities is the non-partisan network that reflects and represents urban living in the UK. A diverse and national network formed in 2013, it provides an authoritative voice and alliance of shared interests right across the country.

Delivering benefits for people Key Cities works with other cities, towns and organisations across local government and beyond to deliver prosperity, protect the environment and raise standards of living across the UK.

Unlocking potential Key Cities can help Government deliver on its policy aims. The network is central to the levelling up and devolution agendas. Key Cities’ work in platforming and connecting the diverse voices of urban UK can help to unlock successful devolution and a productive, balanced economy for all parts of the country.

In touch The members of the Key Cities network are significant urban entities with integrated municipal government, in close touch with the lived experience of their populations. 

Influential Key Cities is connected. The network has strong engagement with Government Ministers and Departments, and runs a successful All-Party Parliamentary Group. The Key Cities APPG, briefings, events and research initiatives help drive the national policy agenda on cities.

Future urban centres The Key Cities network is the engine room of post-Covid recovery. Our members include some of the fastest-growing local economies in the UK. Key Cities is an active champion for the future of urban centres. We produce ideas, research and engagement to drive prosperity and a good standard of living and environment for all.

Innovation With the range, expertise and agility to deliver innovative solutions, Key Cities can help resolve urban challenges. The range of sizes, the governance of member cities, the collaborative approach and the shared innovation assets all add up to a network that is both nimble and ideal for scalable innovation. The group works closely with eleven universities in the Key Cities Innovation Network to drive place-based urban innovation.

Visibility Through our media engagement and partnerships we make sure our views are heard by Government, industry and important stakeholders. We actively promote our policies and our member cities through earned media opportunities such as news articles and op-eds, and on our own platforms via the website, blog and social media channels.