Summary: Once described “as hell with the lid off”, in 2009 the City of Pittsburgh was ranked first by the “Economist” and in 2010 as the most livable US city by “Forbes”. How does a city move over thirty years from being one of the most environmentally degraded places— its air, water and land polluted— to a city recognized for its livability, clean environment, green architecture and diverse employment opportunities? Pittsburgh was challenged to redefine itself to survive much earlier than many cities; but now, every city needs to metamorphose to succeed. The rules are changing. The forces of global trade, energy needs, climate change, technology innovation, infrastructure needs and demographics will redefine the critical competitive mix for cities to succeed. Tom Murphy is a senior resident fellow of the Urban Land Institute (ULI) and the Klingbeil Family Chair for urban development. Murphy, former mayor of Pittsburgh, specializes in public policy, retail/urban entertainment, transportation/ infrastructure, housing, real estate finance and environmental issues. Since January 2006, Murphy has served as ULI’s Gulf Coast liaison, helping to coordinate with the leadership of New Orleans and the public to advance the implementation of rebuilding recommendations. He is working with leadership in hurricane-impacted areas in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida to identify areas appropriate for ULI involvement. Prior to his joining ULI, Murphy served three terms as the mayor of Pittsburgh, from January 1994 through December 2005. During that time, he initiated a public- private partnership strategy that leveraged more than $4.5 billion in economic development in Pittsburgh. Murphy led efforts to secure and oversee $1 billion in funding for the development of two professional sports facilities, and a new convention center that is the largest certified green building in the United States. He developed strategic partnerships to transform more than 1,000 acres of blighted, abandoned industrial properties into new commercial, residential, retail and public uses; and he oversaw the development of more than 25 miles of new riverfront trails and urban green space. From 1979 through 1993, Murphy served eight terms in the Pennsylvania State General Assembly House of Representatives. Murphy served in the Peace Corps in Paraguay from 1970 through 1972. He is a 1993 graduate of the New Mayors Program offered by Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government. He holds a masters of science degree in urban studies from Hunter College, and a bachelor of science degree in biology and chemistry from John Carroll University.
