More than 50 business leaders have joined a new taskforce set up by West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker.
The role of the taskforces is to provide expert advice, challenge current approaches and propose innovative solutions to deliver lasting change in line with the mayor's priorities.
The senior figures represent sectors such as housing, transport and skills across the region.
Among the members of the new taskforce are Liv Garfield, chief executive of Coventry-based water utility Severn Trent, Black Country Chamber of Commerce chief executive Sarah Moorhouse and Jo Russell, a director with Birmingham property developer Stoford.
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The experts will make up four separate teams to guide policy and actions aimed at tackling some of the West Midlands' biggest challenges and deliver on the mayor's key priorities - growth, jobs, homes and journeys.
At the first meeting of the growth team, members discussed how to help deliver growth while protecting the environment by supporting businesses, fostering innovation and creativity and making sure the benefits reach all communities.
The journeys team will focus on connecting communities with safer, easier and more affordable transport across the West Midlands while the jobs taskforce will examine ways to invest in skills training and apprenticeships, reduce youth unemployment and make sure everyone has access to well-paying jobs.
The homes team will look at plans for a major increase in the building of social and affordable homes and the creation of new communities.
Mayor Parker said: "My mission is simple - jobs, homes, growth and journeys for everyone in the West Midlands. My priorities are about making the changes that will improve people's lives and allow our communities to thrive.
"These taskforces bring together the brightest minds to tackle our biggest challenges and help turn my vision into action with real solutions that make a lasting difference.
"The West Midlands is full of talent, innovation and ambition and, with these experts at the table, we will build a better future for everyone."
