The mission on which Boston University was founded is a commitment that has shaped its engagement with urban life in Boston and beyond. The Initiative on Cities was founded in 2014 by former Boston Mayor Tom Menino and BU Professor of Political Science Graham Wilson to advance urban research, policy, and practice, continuing the creed of serving the city that has given so much to the university’s success. In 2022, renowned global urban studies scholar Loretta Lees was appointed Director, expanding the Initiative’s programming and reach. BU’s commitment to cities stretches back decades, with faculty and students contributing to urban research and practice long before the IOC’s creation.
The Bachelor of Science in Urban Affairs was established at Boston University Metropolitan College
1968
Master of Urban Affairs (Now Master of Science in Urban Affairs) established at MET
1969
Master of City Planning established at MET
1976
City Planning & Urban Affairs graduate students formed the Urban Planning Association
2006
Initiative on Cities founded by former Boston Mayor Tom Menino and BU Professor of Political Science Graham Wilson
2014
Minor in Urban Studies launched at Boston University; BU Graduate Program in Urban Biogeoscience and Environmental Health (URBAN) Program launched as an NSF-funded research traineeship
2017
IOC's MetroBridge experiential learning program launched
2018
Gentrification scholar Loretta Lees joins the Initiative on Cities as Director
2022
Boston University undergraduate students launched the Urbanism Club
2025
These urbanists represent a broad range of schools, departments, programs, and centers from across Boston University that support or engage with the work of the Initiative on Cities. Together, they contribute to advancing urban research and policy, fostering community partnerships, and driving education-focused initiatives.
Boston University has a proud tradition of nurturing the personal and professional growth of urbanists. Below is a list of notable alumni who, over the years, have made significant contributions to urban scholarship, activism, and professional practice:
The Arts x Sciences Magazine recently highlighted the Initiative on Cities and multiple affiliates and alumni. In a series of articles, the magazine describes urban policy work and research conducted by members of the BU community. The IOC is fortunate to have catalyzed activities throughout Boston, furthering our mission of city engagement. Building Better Cities […]
Alumni Spotlight is a series highlighting former affiliates of the Initiative on Cities (IOC). We catch up with our alumni to feature their current work, updates, and accomplishments. Today, we highlight Dan Lesser, a former IOC Fellow with the Initiative on Cities. Dan is currently the Director of Operations for the Mayor's Office of Housing. […]
Alumni Spotlight is a series highlighting former affiliates of the Initiative on Cities (IOC). We catch up with our alumni to feature their current work, updates, and accomplishments. Today, we highlight Conor LeBlanc, a former Associate Director with the Initiative on Cities. Conor is a Senior Development Manager at the Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) Real Estate & […]
Alumni Spotlight is a series highlighting former affiliates of the Initiative on Cities (IOC). We catch up with our alumni to feature their current work, updates, and accomplishments. Today, we highlight Daniel Daponte, a former NLC Menino Fellow with the Initiative on Cities. Daniel Daponte is a Research Assistant at the American Institutes for Research (AIR). At […]
Alumni Spotlight is a series highlighting former affiliates of the Initiative on Cities (IOC). We catch up with our alumni to feature their current work, updates, and accomplishments. Today, we highlight Augustine Jimenez, a former NLC Menino Fellow with the Initiative on Cities. Augustine Jimenez is a Program Associate in Achieve Atlanta's Scholarship & Affordability team. In […]
Alumni Spotlight is a series highlighting former affiliates of the Initiative on Cities (IOC). We catch up with our alumni to feature their current work, updates, and accomplishments. Today, we highlight Fatima Blanca Munoz, a former Program Administrator & Manager with the Initiative on Cities. Fatima is the Operations Manager of Initiatives at the Vera Institute […]
Alumni Spotlight is a series highlighting former affiliates of the Initiative on Cities (IOC). We catch up with our alumni to feature their current work, updates, and accomplishments. Today, we highlight Juliahna Green, a former IOC Fellow in the City of Manchester (United Kingdom) with the Initiative on Cities. Juliahna is a Boston University and IOC […]
Alumni Spotlight is a series highlighting former affiliates of the Initiative on Cities (IOC). We catch up with our alumni to feature their current work, updates, and accomplishments. Today, we highlight Sophia Wedeen, a former Staff Assistant with the Initiative on Cities. Sophia is a research analyst at the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard […]