About York – the city and its people

York is a vibrant and ambitious city with a compelling blend of rich heritage and forward-looking innovation. While it is widely recognised for its outstanding history, culture, and quality of life, York is equally a city of economic opportunity, collaboration, and ideas. It is home to two exceptional universities, thriving industry clusters and a growing population of entrepreneurs, researchers and professionals shaping the future across a diverse range of sectors.

Central government departments are ready and waiting to come to York. We can evidence and showcase inclusive economic growth and innovation with a modern, passionate blend of heritage and cultural undertones. Our offer is a unique combination rivalling regional cities as we prove that York is the place for the future. The city’s economic strengths span life sciences, rail and transport engineering, financial services, creative and digital media, and hospitality.

Increasingly, York is known as a hub for innovation, with innovative academic research translating into real-world impact. The city is a key contributor to regional and national priorities through its partnership work with the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority and its health and care system partners. Together, these relationships are unlocking major funding and policy influence that is helping to drive inclusive growth, digital transformation, and low-carbon investment.

Regional Partnerships

York’s regional role and partnerships are central to its future. As part of the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, the city is driving a shared ambition for a greener, fairer economy and more inclusive prosperity across the region. Strategic collaboration with NHS and care system partners is transforming how health and wellbeing services are delivered, while government investment in housing, skills, and transport is unlocking opportunity and accelerating growth.

The adoption of York’s first Local Plan in over 70 years provides a clear, deliverable blueprint for a more affordable, connected, and sustainable city. Flagship developments like York Central and infrastructure upgrades across the region will generate thousands of jobs and new homes, reinforcing York’s position at the heart of the North.

York is proud to be a City of Sanctuary, a designated Human Rights City, and the UK’s only UNESCO City of Media Arts. With 2,000 years of history welcoming people from around the world, York has long been a place of exchange and evolution. Today, that spirit continues as the city grows and diversifies. Its population of around 202,800 includes over 20,000 university students and growing communities of people from all over the globe. York is also an increasingly age-friendly city, with inclusive planning supporting the needs of all generations.

The Council’s Role in the City

Some of York’s areas are amongst the most deprived local authority areas in England, and inequalities persist across the city, which means tackling them is a priority. The Council Plan’s vision of "One City, for all" is about addressing those inequalities, promoting fairness, and enabling everyone to access the city’s opportunities. We are also driving greater impact through innovation in public services and cross-sector working that spans health, housing, education, and economic inclusion.

City of York Council plays a vital role in delivering for the city while being a responsible custodian of its unique assets. As a unitary authority, the Council provides the majority of local government services. Since 2023, the Council has been led by a new administration with a clear commitment to inclusive growth, transparency, and transformation.

York offers the best of both worlds: a place with global ambition and a close-knit community feel. It is a city that blends tradition with ambition, culture with commerce, and beauty with purpose. The next Chief Executive will find in York not just a wonderful place to live and work, but a city with a bold vision for its future and a united determination to deliver it. The right candidate can expect a successful career in York, where our ambitions for strong strategic leadership, enriched partnership working and an embedded strive to continually improve become a reality.

Live and Work in York

Culture

Growth and Development

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