ICE Research Series: Event on City Rankings

Date/Time
Date(s) - 9 Sep 2011
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Location
Ontario Trade and Investment Centre

Category(ies)


ICE RESEARCH SERIES: RANKING CITIES: IMPLICATIONS FOR TORONTO

A panel discussion on the use and misuse of global benchmarking studies by policymakers, pundits, and the public

Event Links:

Event Information:

Friday, September 9, 2011, 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Ontario Trade and Investment Centre, Main Theatre, 250 Yonge Street(35th floor)

The Intergovernmental Committee for Economic and Labour Force Development in Toronto (ICE) is delighted to invite you a panel discussion on the use, misuse, and misinterpretation of high-profile city ranking studies by policymakers, pundits, and the public.  The panel will feature:

  •  Zack Taylor, Consultant, Metapolis Consulting and author of a research report on “Lies, Damned Lies and Statistics: A Critical Examination of City Rankings”
  • Randy McLean, Acting Director, Strategic Growth and Sector Development
    Economic Development and Culture, City ofToronto
  • John Lorinc, Urban/municipal issues and business journalist who has contributed to Globe and Mail, Toronto Life, and Spacing Magazine

Zack Taylor will present the findings of his study entitled “Lies, Damned Lies and Statistics: A Critical Examination of City Rankings,” commissioned by ICE earlier this year.  His study demystifies city ranking studies by evaluating their methodological underpinnings and overall conclusions. Zack’s presentation will provide an excellent opportunity to delve into more than 40 recent city ranking studies to see how Toronto performs and why there is so much variation in its ranking from study to study.

The other two panelists will bring a different perspective to city ranking studies by discussing the impact that these studies have on determining Toronto’s economic competitiveness, steering local economic development policies, and invigorating our desire to be number one.

There is no cost to participate in this forum. A continental breakfast will be served at 9:00 a.m. with the discussion to follow.

ICE Committee