Washington, January 08, 2025 – JPMorgan Chase, in collaboration with Axios and the U.S. Conference of Mayors, is launching an innovative initiative named “Zoom In” designed to accelerate localized economic growth strategies across communities throughout the United States. This multi-faceted partnership seeks to connect local leaders—encompassing elected officials, business stakeholders, and policy specialists—with valuable insights and a platform for sharing best practices. The core concept of Zoom In is to move beyond siloed approaches and foster a collaborative environment where cities and towns can address common challenges, such as housing affordability, inflation, healthcare access, and the transformative impact of emerging technologies on the workforce. The kickoff event, slated for January 16th in Washington, D.C., will serve as the launchpad for this groundbreaking project, drawing prominent figures who are dedicated to advancing local prosperity.
The collaboration brings together three established organizations, each contributing unique expertise. Axios, renowned for its distilled, data-driven local news coverage, will provide the journalistic foundation for the program. The U.S. Conference of Mayors, a nationally recognized advocate for cities, will offer its extensive network of mayoral leaders and institutional knowledge. And JPMorgan Chase, a global financial services firm, will contribute its financial resources, analytical capabilities, and its long-standing commitment to supporting local communities—a tradition spanning over 225 years. This combination is intended to generate a powerful, dynamic synergy, resulting in actionable insights and scalable solutions.
The “Zoom In” program will unfold over the course of a year, featuring a series of strategic convenings in key metropolitan areas. These visits will include Washington, D.C., Chicago, Austin, Columbus, San Francisco, Boston, and Atlanta. During these events, local stakeholders—mayors, business representatives, community leaders, and policy experts—will engage in workshops, discussions, and networking opportunities. The objective is to share authentic experiences, analyze successful strategies, and identify common themes that can be replicated and adapted across diverse communities. The insights gathered throughout the partnership will be meticulously documented and made accessible through a dedicated content hub—a central repository for knowledge sharing and collaboration.
Central to the program’s design is the understanding that cities are often at the forefront of innovation and adaptation. Mayors are increasingly tasked with addressing complex challenges, from creating resilient economies to ensuring equitable access to opportunities for all residents. This initiative seeks to empower them with the tools and connections needed to achieve tangible results. As JPMorgan Chase’s Global Head of Corporate Responsibility and Chairman of the Mid-Atlantic Region, Tim Berry, emphasized, “We have learned a tremendous amount about creating productive public-private partnerships in communities across the country where we do business. This partnership will enable us to share our insights and learn from others as we tackle tough challenges together.” Similarly, Axios co-founder and CEO Jim VandeHei highlighted the importance of local journalism’s role, stating, “Zoom In is an ambitious program that will highlight local journalism across the country. We’re excited to work with partners like JPMorganChase and the U.S. Conference of Mayors who share the same values and commitments to local news.” U.S. Conference of Mayors CEO and Executive Director Tom Cochran further underscored the foundational role of public-private partnerships: “Public-private partnerships are essential to cities’ success. We welcome the opportunity to partner with Axios and JPMorganChase to highlight the extraordinary work of mayors and all they have been able to achieve.” The success of "Zoom In" relies on the commitment of these organizations to foster a truly collaborative ecosystem, driving innovation and prosperity at the local level.