Author: Conor Leblanc

Feb 4th Panel Discussion: The Boston Public Schools’ Assignment Plan

In 2014, the Boston Public Schools (BPS) switched to a new school assignment plan, one that was developed through dozens of community meetings and countless discussions with the City, BPS officials, and members of the public. Two years in, is the plan working? What does a “fair” school assignment system look like? And is fairness […]

Upcoming City Leadership Summit – The Dynamic City: Futures for the Past

The Initiative on Cities is delighted to open registration for The Dynamic City: Futures for the Past. Co-hosted alongside Historic New England and the Boston University American and New England Studies Program, this two-day conference will explore the unique role preservation plays in 21st century cities. Click here to register now! As cities grow and innovate, […]

IOC Releases 2015 Menino Survey of Mayors

The Boston University Initiative on Cities today released the 2015 Menino Survey of Mayors. The Survey, now in its second year, delves into mayoral needs and priorities, policy views and relationships with their key partners, including other levels of government. Based on interviews with 89 sitting American mayors from cities of all sizes, affluence and […]

Transportation Nudges: Experiments in Improving Urban Mobility

Cities worldwide are experimenting with new ways to tackle congestion and improve urban mobility along with resident health and safety. Many communities are testing novel, low cost interventions to change individual behavior, “nudging” their way to fewer and slower drivers, along with more and better cyclists and transit riders. On Monday December 7th, Transportation Nudges: […]

Urban Seminar Series: Urban Energy Systems

New electrical utility business models are changing the way energy systems in cities work. What impact are they having on urban residents? How are the utilities collaborating, or not, with city governments? And what does it mean for the future of urban energy systems?  We’re excited to welcome you to the next edition of the […]

Upcoming IOC City Leadership Summit – Transportation Nudges

Cities worldwide are experimenting with new ways to tackle congestion and improve urban mobility along with resident health and safety. Many communities are testing novel, low cost interventions to change individual behavior, “nudging” their way to fewer and slower drivers, along with more and better cyclists and transit riders. On Monday December 7th, Transportation Nudges: […]

Menino Archive to be Housed at BU

On Tuesday October 27th, the Menino family, alongside Boston University (BU) President Dr. Robert Brown, announced that the official Mayor Thomas Menino Archive would be housed at BU at the Howard Gotlieb Archival Research Center. The Co-Founder of the Initiative on Cities alongside current Director Graham Wilson, Mayor Menino was instrumental in creating the research […]

Urban Seminar Series: The Allston Railyard – Redeveloping the City One Yard at a Time

Decades ago, a downtown Boston rail yard was redeveloped into the thriving Prudential Center. Today, the Allston rail yard sits on BU’s doorstep, ripe with opportunity. How can cities and communities come together to guide us toward urban excellence on these post-industrial sites? Join us for a conversation with researchers and experts in the field, including: […]

Research Spotlight: Municipal Policy Makers, Physical Activity, and the Built Environment

Physical activity is critical to public health and its dependence on the built environment is clear. But how can scholars and advocates ensure that cities understand this relationship and implement effective policies? Join us for lunch and a discussion on Tuesday October 20th at 12:00pm at 75 Bay State Road, Boston. Monica Wang of the Boston […]