“Even as economic conditions in cities have improved in the years since the Great Recession, a new study from the National League of Cities (NLC) found that many factors — including lack of affordable housing, poverty, and skill and achievement gaps — are impeding the long-term economic sustainability of cities. Cities and Unequal Recovery, an analysis based on a survey of more than 250 city officials from cities of all sizes, uncovers dual realities in cities, where even as conditions improve, persistent challenges prevent the benefits of this growth from reaching many. “Our nation’s cities are on the front lines of economic recovery, and the widespread improvement we’ve seen is a testament to local policies and initiatives that support businesses and create new jobs in our communities,” said National League of Cities President Ralph Becker, mayor, Salt Lake City, Utah. “But unfortunately that growth doesn’t extend to everyone in our communities, and wealth and skills gaps are widening. As we look toward the future, cities can help close those gaps with policies that promote greater equity and inclusion for our residents.”