Category: Member City Spotlight

Member City Spotlight: Takoma Park, MD

Posted on June 19, 2026 As communities commemorate Juneteenth, local governments have an opportunity to reflect on how they are advancing equity beyond a single day of recognition. In Takoma Park, MD, Mayor Talisha Searcy is leading efforts to address historic inequities, strengthen racial equity practices, and ensure all residents have a sense of safety …

Member City Spotlight: Farmington Hills, MI

Posted on August 10, 2026 Beyond their legislative and administrative duties, mayors possess the ability to bring together a community’s most influential stakeholders—from corporate executives to non profits to religious leaders. This ability is especially important in times of crisis. Last fall, during the longest federal government shutdown in US history, Mayor Theresa Rich put …

Member City Spotlight: Sterling, IL

By Quincy Midthun, Mayors Innovation Project April marks Fair Housing Month, a time to celebrate the landmark passing of the Fair Housing Act which aimed to eliminate discrimination in the sale, rental, and financing of housing. Today, this month serves as a critical call to action to ensure that everyone has access to safe, affordable …

City Spotlight: Superior, WI

High-speed dependable internet is not a convenience or a luxury, but a critical tool for resilient, connected, and inclusive communities. Broadband ensures that residents have access to education, healthcare, and essential services. However, low-income neighborhoods, rural communities, and neighborhoods of color tend to have lower rates of internet access. Local governments can help close this …

Member City Spotlight: Madison, WI

Complete Streets is an approach to planning, designing, building, operating, and maintaining streets that enable safe access for all, regardless of mode of travel. Complete streets policies and practices improve safety, enhance public health, reduce pollution, and boost local economies by increasing property values and supporting local businesses. The City of Madison, WI has long …

Member City Spotlight: Fitchburg, WI

Under the new federal administration, long-standing commitments to equity and public rights are under threat. This erosion threatens to deepen racial and economic disparities, undo hard-won progress, and weaken the trust that local leaders have worked hard to build with vulnerable communities. Local governments play a critical role in countering these setbacks by protecting inclusive …

Member City Spotlight: Beaverton, OR

Nonprofits are critical partners for local government. They often serve as the first line of support for individuals and families in need, and they help local governments fill gaps and build trust with its most vulnerable communities. However, to be successful long-term, nonprofits need business expertise and education. Today, we bring you our latest Member …

Member City Spotlight: Somerville, MA

The Mayors Innovation Project would like to wish you and your community a happy Earth Day! To celebrate, we’re lifting up the great work of one of our member cities, Somerville, MA, as they work to increase biodiversity and protect vulnerable species and habitats! Last year, the City of Somerville passed its Pollinator Action Plan, …

Member City Spotlight: Salem, MA

In 2022, 7,522 people were struck and killed while walking on US roadways, a shocking 75 percent increase in such deaths since 2010. Meanwhile, more than 65,000 pedestrians were injured in that same year, marking an 11 percent increase from the previous year. Traffic violence does not impact all communities and individuals equally. Smart Growth …

Member City Spotlight: Lincoln, NE

The United States has the highest rate of maternal deaths of any high-income nation, with the maternal mortality rate being highest for Black women. The vast majority of these deaths are preventable, but the United States lacks maternity care providers, after birth home visits and paid parental leave policies to protect and support parents. Read …