In cities worldwide, novel environments and the increasing movement of people, goods and species are causing pervasive biodiversity change. This is in large part driven by the expansion of non-native species who, whether intentionally or unintentionally, now make up a considerable portion of urban biodiversity. Over recent decades, ground-breaking research has revealed the intimate relationship that exists between urban nature and the well-being of urban populations. In a world that is becoming increasingly warm, dense, and connected, non-native species are and will continue to be a part of this equation: from invasive species that threaten ecosystems with high cultural significance, to non-native street trees that provide shade and air filtration, our relationship with non-native species in an urban ecosystem is complex, dynamic, and underlain by critical value judgments that together determine how we approach biodiversity change in cities.In this session, we will explore the role of non-native species in urban systems from a variety of ecological and conservation perspectives. Our goal is to spur conversation about urban biodiversity that goes beyond native/non-native labels and to engage with the full diversity of goals and values that hides behind these dichotomies. Our Inspire session will be guided by three main themes. First, what roles do non-native species play in the short term? Either as novel players in historical ecosystems, as engineers of entirely new communities, or as invasive species? Second, considering their role in providing ecosystem services and disservices, how do different values affect our perception of non-native species, and is it possible to translate this into evidence-based management strategies? Finally, given continued environmental change, do non-native species have a long-term role to play in the evolution and adaptation of urban ecosystems, and/or the continued provision of ecosystem services? Addressing these questions can inform how we select species, manage landscapes, and gauge our impact on ecosystems: we believe that this is a critical step in imagining a sustainable city for the future.