Urban Mobility and the Gig Economy: The Future of Urban Life and Work with COVID-19

Social distancing during COVID-19 significantly changed urban mobility and such change has had disproportionate impact in different neighborhoods within urban regions, often linked to their socio-economic demographics. The same infrastructure that supports these urban mobility patterns also supports a precarious yet growing economy driven by algorithms. These ‘gig economy’ jobs such as delivery, mobility services, and care work are lauded for the ease of entry. However, this same ease of entry resulted in significant workforce volatility during the pandemic as the demand for mobility decreased and delivery services increased, exacerbating existing risks to workers and impacts on infrastructure. This panel will explore the effects of the pandemic on urban mobility, how people will interact within new urban regions, and the impact of one of our economy’s newest forms of employment.