How is the Initiative on Cities Making a Difference in Urban Scholarship?

We catalyze early-stage research that deepens understanding of cities and urban populations. Today, with over half the world’s population living in urban areas, it is more crucial than ever for scholars and practitioners to address the complex challenges facing 21st-century cities – and to shape the policies and practices that will shape their future. If you are a member of the BU community and interested in submitting a proposal, we encourage you to review our annual requests for proposals, which typically open in December or January.  
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724 result(s) found.

  • Mapping Amman, Jordan: A 21st Century City

    July 17, 2017
    Principal Investigator Co-Principal Investigator Professor Betty Anderson, in cooperation with Georgetown Associate Professor Fida Adely, seek to conduct a mapping study in order to understand the modern population of Amman. A growing private sector and Jordan’s status as one of the safest countries in the Middle East has made Amman a safe haven for immigrants […]

  • March & April IOC Events Postponed

    March 10, 2020
    Given growing concerns about Coronavirus, the following events have been postponed: March 16th - Black Boston: Transforming the Arts March 24th - Animal City: The Domestication of America April 2nd - Black Boston: Building Healthy Communities April 2nd - Opportunity Zones: How Are They Working in Cities? April 16th -  From Arts to Placemaking: What Burning Man […]

  • Matt Lutkins (CAS ’25) Awarded the 2025 Initiative on Cities Student Prize

    May 9, 2025
    The Initiative on Cities (IOC) is elated to announce that Matt Lutkins (CAS ’25) has been awarded the IOC Student Prize for the 2025 school year. The $1,000 prize is presented annually to one BU senior graduating with a minor in Urban Studies. We asked Matt to introduce himself and describe his experience as a Terrier and […]

  • Mayor Carmen Yulín Cruz on Urban Leadership

    October 29, 2018
    On Thursday, October 25, BU alumna and San Juan, Puerto Rico, Mayor Carmen Yulín Cruz visited the Initiative on Cities to speak with students on urban leadership, pertaining specifically to her experience in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. Hurricane Maria, a Category 4 hurricane, hit Puerto Rico last September. Among the multiple damages it caused, […]
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    Mayor Karl Dean To Serve as IOC’s First Mayor In Residence

    July 30, 2015
    The Initiative on Cities (IOC) is pleased to announce that Mayor Karl Dean of Nashville, Tennessee, will join the Boston University community for the Spring 2016 semester as the first IOC Mayor in Residence. Following two successful terms as Mayor of Nashville, which will conclude in September 2015, and an appointment as Distinguished Visiting Professor […]
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    Mayoral Views on Racism and Discrimination

    September 17, 2018
    On September 17, 2018, the National League of Cities (NLC) and the Boston University Initiative on Cities (IOC), with support from The Rockefeller Foundation,  released Mayoral Views on Racism and Discrimination. This new report, which draws on data from the 2017 Menino Survey of Mayors, explores how mayors of medium-sized and large cities understand race, discrimination […]

  • Meet Alexandria McKenzie, 2024 City of Boston’s Equity & Inclusion Cabinet Summer Intern

    May 21, 2024
    The Boston University Initiative on Cities and the Howard Thurman Center for Common Ground are happy to announce that Alexandria McKenzie (CAS ’26) has been selected as this year’s summer intern with the City of Boston’s Equity & Inclusion Cabinet. Alexandria will work directly with the Senior Advisor on Racial Justice, Ms. Lori Nelson, and the team […]

  • Meet Amie Thomas, 2024 Mayor’s Office of New Urban Mechanics Fellow

    May 21, 2024
    The Boston University Initiative on Cities (IOC) is happy to announce Amie Thomas (GRS Statistical Practice) 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 […]
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    Meet An Vu Minh Pham, the summer 2021 City of Chelsea Open Data & Digital Communications Fellow

    May 15, 2021
    The Initiative on Cities (IOC) is proud to announce that An Vu Minh Pham has been selected as the summer 20201 City of Chelsea Open Data & Digital Communications Initiatives Fellow. Avi will have the opportunity to help advance the City’s open data and digital communications initiatives while gaining first-hand insight and experience into how […]
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    Meet Andrea Catania, 2023 Mayor’s Office of New Urban Mechanics Fellow

    May 18, 2023
    The Boston University Initiative on Cities (IOC) is happy to announce Andrea Catania (MET Gastronomy) has been selected as the 2023 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 […]