The New York-based philanthropic organization Bloomberg Philanthropies and Harvard University have announced the opening of the new Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University. According to a statement, the goal is to “advance the capabilities of local leadership and spur progress for residents in cities around the globe”. It is the first center in the world to focus on “strengthening hundreds of local governments and their leadership on a global scale”, writes Bloomberg Philanthropies. The center is part of the organization's 150 USD million commitment to Harvard University to help expand the capabilities of mayors.
Across 12,000 square feet of open seating and meeting spaces, the new center will offer executive education and training programmes for mayors and local officials, multidisciplinary research, and city government fellowships. It also includes an expansion of the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative, established by Bloomberg Philanthropies, Harvard Kennedy School, and Harvard Business School, that has to date worked with 465 mayors worldwide.
“We’re just starting to discover the possibilities that emerge when we bring together people focused on studying and advancing leadership,” said Harvard University President Lawrence S. Bacow at the launch event. “The Center serves the public good through scholarly work and engagement with current and future public servants, who stand at the forefront in addressing the most pressing challenges facing our cities.”
In 2023 to 2024, the center is launching executive education programmes for city leaders on the topics of Leading Innovation in Human Resources, Leading Civic Engagement, and Leading Economic Development in Cities. Each executive education program will reach up to 20 cities. ce/em
