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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Year Awarded

724 result(s) found.

  • 2020 Menino Survey of Mayors Report on COVID-19 Recovery and the Future of Cities

    December 3, 2020
    America’s Mayors Sound the Alarm on Long-Term Impacts of COVID-19 Pandemic on their Cities, According to New Survey Without Federal Support, Mayors Expect School Budget Cuts, Economic Upheaval for Small Businesses and Commercial Centers, and Deepening Racial Inequality As leaders in Washington continue to be divided over additional stimulus, America’s mayors paint a troubling picture […]

  • 2020 Menino Survey of Mayors Report on Policing and Protests

    January 27, 2021
    Mayors Largely Support Black Lives Matter Protests, Recognize Racial Disparities in Treatment by Police, But Are Not Embracing Dramatic Change to Policing, According to New Survey Findings Among Those from the Boston University Initiative on Cities’ Menino Survey of Mayors, Supported by Citi and The Rockefeller Foundation In spite of months of protests in reaction […]

  • 2020 Menino Survey of Mayors Report on Urban Parks and the Public Realm

    March 31, 2021
    Mayors Expect Residents Will Spend More Time in Outdoor Public Spaces, But Few Using Pandemic as Opportunity to Reimagine These Areas Findings Among Those Released Today by the Boston University Initiative on Cities’ Menino Survey of Mayors, Supported by Citi, The Rockefeller Foundation, and The Trust for Public Land The past year introduced new ways […]

  • 2020–2021 NLC Menino Fellowship Applications Due August 23

    August 4, 2020
    The Initiative on Cities (IOC) is now accepting applications for the 2020–2021 NLC Menino Fellowship! This two semester fellowship provides one BU 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 semester-long directed study and semester-long […]

  • 2021 Early Stage Urban Research Awards

    May 23, 2021
    In Spring 2021, the Initiative on Cities issued its seventh request for proposals to support early stage academic research endeavors focused on urban challenges and urban populations, both domestic and global. We received 37 applications from 20 schools and departments at BU, and we are thrilled to announce we have funded 14 projects, including 8 […]

  • 2021 Menino Survey: Closing the Racial Wealth Gap

    March 22, 2022
    America’s Mayors Recognize Sizable Racial Wealth Gaps in Their Cities, According to Survey of US Mayors Mayors Overwhelmingly Believe that Access to Capital Disproportionately Burdens Small Business Owners of Color At Least Half of Mayors Believe that Housing Programs Should Emphasize Homeownership Over Renting A strong majority (67%) of mayors are worried about the racial […]

  • 2021 Menino Survey: Mayors and America’s Homelessness Crisis

    January 18, 2022
    America’s Mayors Say They Feel Accountable But Unequipped to Address Homeless Crisis, Citing Lack of Funding and Public Opposition to New Housing as Biggest Barriers Almost One-Third of Cities Have No Staff Dedicated to Homelessness; Nearly a Quarter Cite Reliance on Police While a strong majority of America’s mayors feel that voters hold them largely […]

  • 2022 Early Stage Urban Research Awards

    May 16, 2022
    The Boston University Initiative on Cities (IOC) is pleased to announce the 2022 recipients of our eighth annual request for proposals for early stage urban research. These seed grants support early stage academic research endeavors focused on urban challenges and urban populations, both domestic and global. We received 30 applications from 16 schools and departments […]

  • 2022 Menino Survey: Economic Opportunity, Poverty & Well-Being

    April 4, 2023
    America’s Mayors See Soaring Housing Costs as Top Economic Challenge But Feel They Have Little Control, According to Survey of US Mayors Mayors Feel More Accountable for Public Health Issues since 2018, Especially Gun Violence and Mental Health Findings Among Those from the Boston University Initiative on Cities’ Menino Survey of Mayors Over the past […]

  • 2022 Menino Survey: Mayors and the Climate Crisis

    January 17, 2023
    America’s Mayors See Regulatory Powers As Their Top Climate Action Tools, But Are Reluctant to Limit Resident Choices, According to Survey of US Mayors Nine-in-Ten Mayors Agree that Climate Change is Human-Induced Mayors from Both Parties Strongly Support Purchasing New Technologies Like Electric Vehicles Findings Among Those from the Boston University Initiative on Cities’ Menino […]