Initiative on Cities

What We Do

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Housing. Heat. Health.

The Initiative's new tripartite research agenda seeks to connect and engage practitioners, policymakers, governments, and communities to pursue evidence-based and practical solutions.

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Latest News

News

The Initiative on Cities Joins Leading Global Institutions in Launching Alliance to Advance Human-Centric Urban Research

July 2nd, 2025

By Singapore Management University July 2, 2025 (Vienna, Austria) – Five globally respected academic institutions have come together to launch the Global Alliance on Sustainable Urban Societies – a pioneering initiative that places people at the heart of urban research and policymaking. The partnership was announced today at the Singapore Management University (SMU) City Dialogues […]

MetroBridge

2024–2025 MetroBridge Recap

June 6th, 2025

MetroBridge, the experiential learning program of the Boston University Initiative on Cities, collaborated with 14 municipal and community partners on 17 projects over the 2024-2025 academic year. During the fall and spring semesters, 293 students worked on applied learning projects, gaining real-world experience addressing urban challenges. Municipal and community partners interested in partnering with MetroBridge […]

Student Fellows & Interns

Meet Campbell Taylor, 2025 City of Boston Planning Advisory Council Intern

May 30th, 2025

The Boston University Initiative on Cities (IOC) is proud to announce that Campbell Taylor (CAS/Pardee/KHC '28) is the 2025 City of Boston’s Planning Advisory Council (PAC) Intern. Campbell will work under the Executive Director of PAC Katharine Lusk, who is also the former Co-Director of the IOC. This is the first year the IOC is partnering […]

Student Fellows & Interns

Meet Levi Chen, 2025 City of Boston Office of Climate Resilience Intern

May 30th, 2025

The Boston University Initiative on Cities is happy to announce that Levi Chen (CAS '27) is this year’s City of Boston Office of Climate Resilience Intern. The Office of Climate Resilience is a newly designated office of the Environment, Energy, and Open Space (EEOS) Cabinet. Its work focuses on enhancing the city’s preparedness for climate […]

Student Fellows & Interns

Meet Nayeli Quiles, 2025 City of Boston’s Equity & Inclusion Cabinet Summer Intern

May 30th, 2025

The Boston University Initiative on Cities and the Howard Thurman Center for Common Ground are happy to announce that Nayeli Quiles (CAS ’26) has been selected as this year’s summer intern with the City of Boston’s Equity & Inclusion Cabinet. Nayeli will work directly with the Senior Advisor on Racial Justice, Ms. Lori Nelson, and the team to […]

Student Fellows & Interns

Meet Corryn Barter, 2025 Mayor’s Office of New Urban Mechanics Fellow

May 30th, 2025

The Boston University Initiative on Cities (IOC) is happy to announce Corryn Barter (SPH '25) has been selected as this year’s City of Boston Mayor’s Office of New Urban Mechanics (MONUM) Fellow. This fellow will have the opportunity to explore an interest in public service and civic innovation while positively impacting the surrounding community. The MONUM Fellow […]

Research Awards

Announcing Our 2025 Early Stage Urban Research Award Recipients

May 28th, 2025

The Boston University Initiative on Cities (IOC) is pleased to announce the 2025 recipients of our 11th request for proposals for the Early Stage Urban Research Awards. These seed grants support early-stage academic research focused on urban challenges and urban populations across various disciplines and scopes. These projects also serve as mentorship opportunities for graduate […]

News

IOC External Advisory Board Member Dominic Moulden Receives Honorary Degree at Boston University’s 2025 Commencement

May 18th, 2025

The Initiative on Cities proudly celebrates our External Advisory Board member, Dominic Moulden, for receiving an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters at Boston University’s 2025 Commencement. IOC Director Loretta Lees speaks of Moulden’s exceptional character and achievements, stating: “Dominic is a thinker, but he is also a doer; he is a born leader, a collaborator, […]

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2024 Annual Report

The Boston University Initiative on Cities (IOC) is proud to release its 2024 Annual Report — marking 10 years since our founding and commitment to the betterment of cities. We are continuously strengthening and forging new connections locally, nationally, and globally, all in pursuit of creating more livable, resilient, and just cities.

Read the Full Report

Livable and Resilient Cities

Boston University's interdisciplinary center for urban research and learning

What We Do

Urban-H

Latest News

The Initiative on Cities Joins Leading Global Institutions in Launching Alliance to Advance Human-Centric Urban Research

2024–2025 MetroBridge Recap

Meet Campbell Taylor, 2025 City of Boston Planning Advisory Council Intern

Meet Levi Chen, 2025 City of Boston Office of Climate Resilience Intern

Meet Nayeli Quiles, 2025 City of Boston’s Equity & Inclusion Cabinet Summer Intern

Meet Corryn Barter, 2025 Mayor’s Office of New Urban Mechanics Fellow

Announcing Our 2025 Early Stage Urban Research Award Recipients

IOC External Advisory Board Member Dominic Moulden Receives Honorary Degree at Boston University’s 2025 Commencement

2024 Annual Report

IOC In the Press