This is the first edition of CURE (Conference on Urban and Regional Economics), an annual conference that will bring together a group of about 30 urban and regional economists from across the world. CURE is envisioned to alternate across the Atlantic, being held in Europe on odd years and in the North America on even years. When held in Europe, CURE will be organised through the International and Regional Economics Programme of the Centre for Economic Policy Research (CEPR). This year edition of the Conference was supported by FEEM and Camera di Commercio di Milano