The Center on Megacities is headquartered at the University of Southern California. It develops innovative solutions for megacities through interdisciplinary expertise in science and engineering, including civil and environmental engineering, information technology, architecture, economics, social science, policy and planning, complex systems science, biological science, and atmospheric science.

The Center on Megacities brings together engineering and other disciplines to innovate for a better future for megacities and a partnership with science, government, and industry. Progress made in solving megacity issues will benefit cities of lesser size, thereby contributing to the broader world's welfare.