More than half of the world’s population lives in cities–a number that is set to increase to 70 percent by 2050. Many of those cities are coastal, and the ocean is an adjacent space–an overlooked borough. Coastal cities are leaders in climate and ocean policy, and the Ocean Data Alliance is helping to develop community-based Smart Ocean Action Plans to transform urban ocean spaces into community assets. The Ocean Data Alliance has a collaborative and connected approach to ocean restoration. It is successfully leveraging our core strengths to unlock more possibilities for people and businesses by helping city leaders improve ocean health, promote economic growth and ensure inclusion.