The Initiative on Cities leverages Boston University’s world-class research and diverse faculty expertise in urban studies – from law and engineering to public health and the environment – to inform policy, shape practice, and drive progress toward livable and resilient cities nationally and globally.
In the Spring of 2023, the Initiative on Cities launched a new 5 year
strategic research project, Urban-H’, focused on addressing three
key challenges that pose a growing threat to urban livability and
resilience: Housing, Heat, and Health.
We examine these issues separately and as a tripartite, focusing
on equity and justice. In doing so, we engage with and work
alongside practitioners, policymakers, governments, and local
communities to develop and implement evidence-based,
practical, grassroots, and top-down solutions.
Since the Initiative's founding in 2014, our urban research has encompassed the local, national, and international through our long-running U.S.-based Menino Survey of Mayors and our Early Stage Urban Research Awards, as well as policy and practice-based reports and publications from the Initiative.
mayors surveyed
seed grant projects funded
of funding catalyzed by our seed grants
in seed grant funding
papers, books, chapters published
In 2018, the Initiative on Cities created a five-part video series
exploring American mayoral leadership, governance, and power.
The series features in-depth interviews with eight transformative
mayors, who candidly reflect on their time in office and share
insights into the challenges, responsibilities, and impact of the
mayor’s role.
