Osmosis across defensible space: observations and lessons from dérives in London during COVID-19
The idea of “defensible space” was/is to give residents control of public spaces they feel they have no control over. If they gained control, they would defend these spaces, care for them, and protect them (and their property) from crime. The pandemic required a rapidly retrofitted public space – emergency cycle lanes, widened pavements, or play streets. The practices of negotiating public space to take permitted exercise or queue for essential groceries forced us all to rethink ideas of territoriality and safe encounter.
Researching Best Practices to Enhance Equitable Public Participation in Alignment with Framingham’s Racial Equity Vision
By Amelia Murray-Cooper Increasing community and civic engagement are key goals outlined in the City of Framingham’s Racial Equity Vision. During fall 2021, Associate Professor Katherine Levine Einstein led a course on Inequality and American Politics in the College of Arts and Sciences, in which students researched methods of enhancing equitable public participation in Framingham. […]
Loretta Lees will be the next Faculty Director of the Initiative on Cities
We are excited to announce new leadership at Boston University’s Initiative on Cities (IOC), a hub for inter- and transdisciplinary urban research and learning across the University. On September 1, 2022, the Initiative on Cities welcomes a new faculty director, Loretta Lees, who also joins the College of Arts & Sciences as a professor in […]
BU Giving Day (4/6): Support the IOC!
BU Giving Day is here! Today is our chance to come together and make a collective impact for BU students. With your help, the Initiative on Cities will continue to empower the next generation of civic leaders at BU by providing forums and professional opportunities that connect undergraduate and graduate students to urban challenges. Your gift to […]
Just Released: Workforce Development for Vulnerable Youth: Lessons from Two National Studies
In a new white paper published by the BU Initiative on Cities (IOC), Mary Collins, Professor at the BU School of Social Work (BU SSW), and Adrianna Spindle-Jackson, PhD Student at the BU SSW, summarize key results of two studies, conducted by a team at the BU SSW between April 2020 and March 2021, to […]
Workforce development for vulnerable youth: lessons from two national studies
Race, gender, geography, and many other characteristics impact the likelihood of disconnection and its negative effects. This brief summarizes key results of two studies, conducted by a team at the Boston University School of Social Work between April 2020 and March 2021, to understand how workforce development boards address the needs of vulnerable youth. In addition to presenting findings from these studies, the authors offer ideas for next steps.
#BUandBoston: Beth Haley Develops Public Health Model for Predicting Water Quality in the Merrimack River
This post is part of our #BUandBoston series, highlighting the work and research of BU students, faculty, and staff throughout the City of Boston and the Greater Boston region. Interested in having your Boston-related work featured? Tag us on Instagram or Twitter (@BUonCities) using the #BUandBoston or send us an email at ioc@bu.edu. By Amelia Murray-Cooper Beth Haley, a […]
#BUandBoston: Ian Smith Develops Tool to Assess Heat Impacts from Proposed Development Projects in the City of Boston
This post is part of our #BUandBoston series, highlighting the work and research of BU students, faculty, and staff throughout the City of Boston. Interested in having your Boston-related work featured? Tag us on Instagram or Twitter (@BUonCities) using the #BUandBoston or send us an email at ioc@bu.edu. By Amelia Murray-Cooper Ian Smith, a PhD student in the Department of […]
Faculty Friday: Sarah R. Sherman-Stokes
Faculty Friday is a series highlighting members of the Initiative on Cities (IOC) Faculty Advisory Board, by exploring their work on campus and in the city. This week, we are highlighting Sarah R. Sherman-Stokes, Clinical Associate Professor of Law and the Associate Director of the Immigrant’s Rights and Human Trafficking Clinic at BU School of […]
2022-2023 NLC Menino Fellowship Applications Due April 24
The Initiative on Cities (IOC) is now accepting applications for the 2022-2023 National League of Cities (NLC) Menino Fellowship. This two semester fellowship provides one Boston University undergraduate student with the opportunity to explore an interest in public service, city-level programs and policies, and municipal leadership on behalf of children, youth, and families through a […]