Strengthening Cities and Their Leaders
Each year, 40 mayors and 80 senior leaders engage in an intensive leadership and management program developed and taught by faculty from Harvard Kennedy School and Harvard Business School.
About
Equipping mayors and senior city leaders to tackle complex challenges and improve residents’ quality of life
Who we are
The Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative–a program of the Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University–is a collaboration between Harvard Kennedy School, Harvard Business School, and Bloomberg Philanthropies to equip mayors and senior city officials to tackle complex challenges in their cities and improve the quality of life of their residents.
The Initiative advances research and develops new curriculum and teaching tools to help city leaders solve real-world problems. By engaging Harvard graduate students in research and field work, the Initiative supports current city leaders while investing in future generations. The Initiative also advances the field of city leadership through teaching, research, and new curricular materials that help city leaders drive government performance and address pressing social problems.
We accomplish our work through these core capabilities
Developing Future Generations of City Leaders
Since 2017, more than 400 Harvard students have participated in activities including fellowships and field courses to help mayors and city leaders make progress on a range of organizational challenges, and supported affiliated faculty in research projects on municipal governance, public management, and city leadership.
Advancing the Field of City Leadership
The Initiative advances the field of city leadership through teaching, research, and new curricular materials that help city leaders drive government performance and address pressing social problems.
Global Impact
What an extraordinary experience. It’s been the most fantastic year and there is no doubt I am a much better leader because of your generosity and support for civic leaders.Mayor Tracy Brabin
West Yorkshire, England
The Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative helped me turn my own natural talents and abilities into a set of dedicated skills, transforming me as a leader.Mayor Matt Tuerk
Allentown, Pennsylvania
I’ve called the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative 'Mayor School' because that’s what it’s been for me. The curriculum helps you to learn. The instructors challenge you to grow. The other mayors become your friends. I’m better at my job because of it and my city is the beneficiary.Mayor Todd Gloria
San Diego, California
The program helped us sharpen our skills, learn new ideas, and prepare us to lead our cities into the future.Mayor Tishaura O. Jones
St. Louis, Missouri
