Mayors gather at Harvard.

Advancing City Leadership

Research and resources for city leaders to expand their problem-solving capacity, build effective city hall organizations, and improve outcomes for residents around the world

Program alumni—mayors and former mayors—gather at Harvard.

Research

State Capabilities for Problem-Oriented Governance

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About us

The Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative, located at the Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University, equips mayors and senior city officials to tackle complex challenges in their cities and improve the quality of life of their residents.

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Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative faculty during a teaching break.
Harvard professors Mitch Weiss, Rawi Abdelal, Amy Edmondson, and Jorrit de Jong during a teaching break at the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative's program for mayors.

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Jorrit de Jong leads a classroom discussion during the flagship program

Yearlong Program

We bring together Harvard faculty, staff, and students, alongside experts from Bloomberg Philanthropies’ global network, to work with 40 mayors and their teams each year.

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Students listen attentively as Mayor Joe Curtatone speaks to them at a table discussion

For Students

We offer research, resources, and experiential learning opportunities to students and future city leaders at Harvard and beyond. Explore the possibilities!

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Ribbon cutting at the grand opening of the Bloomberg Center for Cities

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Stay up to date on the most recent news from the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative and the Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University.

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  Global reach

Around the world, cities are growing in size and importance, and mayors are leading the charge in addressing the most pressing issues we face, from creating jobs to fighting climate change. This program is aimed at helping them succeed. Michael R. Bloomberg
108th mayor of NYC and founder of Bloomberg LP and Bloomberg Philanthropies
Michael R. Bloomberg head shot

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