“City as a Service” treats the city as a set of services for its people. This approach is client-oriented; the perceived mission is to create a comfortable, high-tech, and smart infrastructure that meets the needs of a community. Following examples from the world's best tech companies, city administrations are creating ecosystems and platforms. These help entrepreneurs do business and invest in the city, allow members of the local community to exercise control over utility services, contribute to governance and connect to their neighbors. In such a system, any user is its most valued, meaning that these services are designed in a way that aim to create an optimal user experience. The pandemic has given a new impetus for the development of client-oriented cities as cities are committed to top-notch service quality even in times of crisis. Session participants will discuss modern approaches to urban administration, including participatory practices, as well as the ways of defining and preserving a local identity within the city.