In this episode of The City Playbook, Orlando Economic Partnership President and CEO Tim Giuliani sits down with global urban strategist and faculty at the University of Texas at Austin Steven Pedigo.
In this episode of The City Playbook, Orlando Economic Partnership President and CEO Tim Giuliani sits down with global urban strategist and faculty at the University of Texas at Austin Steven Pedigo for a conversation that digs into what makes world-class cities rise—and why Orlando is closer to that tier than many realize.
Pedigo, who has worked with more than 175 cities worldwide, brings a rare blend of academic insight and on-the-ground experience and offers a compelling look at Orlando’s transformation through the lens of global best practices.
What does it take for a city to step into its next chapter?
According to Pedigo, successful global cities like Barcelona, Tokyo, and Montreal excel because they intentionally position themselves as destinations. They don’t separate tourism from talent attraction or economic development. Instead, great cities blend them together into singular cohesive identities.
Orlando, he notes, is already doing this: through its partnership work, its global airport, and its blend of hospitality, entertainment, aerospace, and digital innovation.
Today’s top-performing cities are defined by their fundamentals: livability, “lovability,” global connectivity, and research strength. For Orlando, its unique history rooted in both theme parks and the space race forms the foundation for a region that’s now attracting innovators, investors, and new industries.
Embracing a holistic sense of place is what contributed to Orlando’s jump in global city rankings from No. 14 to 11, driven by strong economic outcomes, strengthening brand perception, and soaring visitor sentiment.
It all comes down to placemaking.
It’s the concept that a city’s design, culture, and identity are what make people fall in love with it.
Pedigo explains that districts around the world are shifting from single-purpose zones to vibrant, mixed-use places that blend work and culture to create gathering spaces for daily life.
From downtown walkability to 15-minute neighborhoods, Orlando’s investment in placemaking is critical to remaining competitive. Beyond that, Pedigo explains that inclusive growth, from strengthening career pathways to ensuring that a tech-driven economy lifts everyone, not just those at the top, is the next frontier for any city aiming to become truly great.
This episode is essential for anyone interested in how cities become great, where the region is headed, and how you can help build Orlando’s future.