Cities have been at the epicentre of the COVID-19 pandemic, but they also offer an opportunity to accelerate the transition to a resilient, equitable and low-carbon future. This paper explores seven priorities for national governments, as well as three cross-cutting measures, which can yield substantial economic dividends, rapidly create and protect millions of jobs for vulnerable populations and deliver quick and durable health and environmental benefits for citizens, all whilst contributing to long-term urban resilience.