Try verifying game files through Steam. Here's how that's done:
https://support.steampowered.com/kb_article.php?ref=2037-QEUH-3335If that doesn't help, add the launch options -noWorkshop and -disableMods to Steam.
- Right-click on the game title under the Library in Steam and select Properties.
- Under the General tab click the Set launch options... button.
- Enter the launch options you wish to apply (be sure to separate each code with a space) and click OK.
- Close the game's Properties window and launch the game.
Then start a new city. It will be locked, but it should be blacked out in the menu still and show a tooltip with when you can unlock it.