We need to explore and move back to, rather than away from the central cores of our cities. Good planning that we all participate in is crucial to the health and vitality of our communities. Dan Cort explains why when we "save our cities" we "save ourselves." As CEO of the Cort Companies, Dan Cort has been actively involved in the preservation and renovation of historic real estate in Northern California for the past 30 years. Mr. Cort and his team have helped communities nationwide restore and revitalize neighborhoods and downtown districts, with the emphasis on creating the urban village. Dan Cort originally came to Stockton, California as a student at the University of the Pacific. After leaving his teaching career, he began his real estate/development interest with the restoration of landmark Victorian homes; Cort was instrumental in establishing the mid-town Magnolia National Historic District in Stockton. Cort was a founding member of The Children's Museum and Vice-Chair and founding member of the Downtown Stockton Alliance, a property based improvement district. Dan Cort was also the Mayor of Pacific Grove, California. During his tenure he actively led the city in green and sustainable practices. He is the author of Downtown Turnaround: Lessons for a New Urban Landscape, which was published in 2010. He is currently working on his second book, The Do-It-Yourself Nation. About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)