Great cities are known for providing a very high quality of life for its citizens. Today, after a long and slow decline since the 1950s, things are looking up for Philadelphia again. But in order to compete with other cities around the U.S. and the world, Philadelphia must find ways to have more of what makes cities great - parks and open spaces, redeveloped riverfronts, efficient transportation, better air and water quality, recycling and waste programs that work, and leadership in green building implementation, among others.

National Geographic Traveler magazine named Philadelphia the "Next Great City" in America, and SustainLane ranked Philadelphia the 8^th most sustainable city in the nation. Philadelphia has shown great progress in balancing environmental, social and economic sustainability, but still has some ways to go to ensure future generations will have an even better life. The Council helps along the way.