This session will detail the positive outcomes for cities once they have decided to prioritize their local music economy by describing how growing a healthy music ecosystem improves the quality of life for a city’s artists and residents, while strengthening local businesses and governments. Panelists will describe the positive changes and benefits they have been part of in the individual cities where they’ve lived and worked including Austin, Chicago, Toronto, Seattle, DC, New Orleans, Charlotte, Pittsburgh and more. The panel will demonstrate how the best results are achieved when cities embrace what is authentic, special and unique about their cities, artists, and venues and how engaging specific communities was instrumental in bringing about those benefits and changes.