The inception meeting of GEO for Cities took place in Arendal, Norway from 13-14 May 2019.The Co-Chairs and Advisory Committee of GEO for Cities met to prepare a draft annotated outline of GEO for Cities and to confirm a draft work plan, including overview and context, timeline, anticipated impact, anticipated outcomes, project design and risks mitigation measures as well as to suggest prospective authors from different institutions, considering gender and geographic balance.