Our Impact
Founded in 2005 by Madison, WI’s former Mayor Dave Cieslewicz and Joel Rogers, a professor and Director of the High Road Strategy Center, the Mayors Innovation Project is based at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Since we began, hundreds of mayors have joined us as member cities or by participating in our meetings and other events, creating a vibrant network of the most innovative local leaders.
Our network is unique
Why attend our meetings? Hear from our mayors directly:
Mayors, city staff, and partners who attend our meetings leave with more than inspiration—they gain replicable ideas, valuable connections, and proven resources that they can take back to their cities and implement right away.
We create spaces where mayors can share their most innovative ideas, ask tough questions, and share the real solutions that helped them achieve success.
All mayors—no matter your city’s population, location, or form of government—are welcome!
Questions? Reach out to Katya Spear to learn more and get involved.
Testimonials
!["[MIP offers] "real world" solutions that can be easily adaptable to my city. [I] appreciate the opportunity to engage with other mayors from across the country in an open and safe space to share ideas, successes, and challenges." - Mayor Sharetta Smith Lima, OH](https://mayorsinnovation.wisc.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/568/2024/03/Mayor-Sharetta-Smith-2-1024x576.png)
Join us!
We connect mayors with the research, tools, and people they need to reach their goals
!["The Mayors Innovation Project provides a community for mayors that I have not found anywhere else. It's the perfect [mix] of policy content and camaraderie that every mayor needs." - Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway Madison, WI](https://mayorsinnovation.wisc.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/568/2024/03/Mayor-Satya-Rhodes-Conway-1-1024x576.png)
Innovate
Our cohorts and events provide mayors with new policy solutions—and the support to implement them.
Exchange
We provide spaces for mayors to share best practices, often learning directly from those who led their implementation.
Network
Our nationwide community of mayors and policy experts can help you put your ideas into practice.
Sign up!
Nearly every week, our newsletter provides best practices and opportunities for mayors and their cities.