A peer learning network for mayors and city leaders.
Posted on August 18, 2026 By Mary Carr Lee and Katya Spear, Mayors Innovation Project At this year’s Summer Meeting in Madison, mayors from across the country demonstrated what modern local leadership looks like: bold, collaborative, and deeply rooted in the everyday realities of their communities. During our Innovation Showcase, they didn’t just present programs …
Posted on June 3, 2026 By Leslie Vasquez, Mayors Innovation Project While violent crime has declined recently in many cities, summer months can still bring seasonal spikes in violence that disproportionately affect young people. At the same time, summer school breaks can leave many youth without access to structured environments and supportive relationships that help …
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 …
Posted on July 1, 2026 By Mary Carr Lee, Mayors Innovation Project Across the country, cities are reassessing their relationship with Flock Safety, the fast-growing provider of automated license plate reader (ALPR) cameras. Once marketed as a turnkey crime-fighting tool, Flock’s system is now at the center of a national debate about data governance, public …
Posted on July 31, 2026 By Leslie Vasquez, Mayors Innovation Project Recently, federal leaders have repeatedly questioned the integrity of U.S. elections while pursuing a more aggressive role in election administration through efforts such as compiling a national voter eligibility database, seeking state voter rolls through lawsuits, and tightening restrictions on mail-in ballots. Legal experts …
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 …
Posted on August 18, 2026 By Quincy Midthun, Mayors Innovation Project Buildings are the largest source of carbon emissions and one of the greatest opportunities cities have to reduce their carbon footprints. The benefits of energy efficiency improvements and decarbonization extend beyond just bringing down carbon emissions; they can save residents and taxpayers money on …
By: Mary Carr Lee, Mayors Innovation Project Mayor Adena Ishii is the first Asian American and first woman of color to serve as Mayor of Berkeley, CA. Representing and leading a city of approximately 125,000 residents, Mayor Ishii says that at the foundation of her administration is a deep relationship with the community—key to both …
By: Mary Carr Lee, Mayors Innovation Project When Jake Wilson became mayor of Somerville, Massachusetts, he stepped into office at a moment when many mid-sized American cities were confronting the same pressures: rising housing costs, rapid development, and growing expectations for local government. For Wilson, the challenge is not simply managing growth—it is ensuring that …
By: Mary Carr Lee, Mayors Innovation Project Connie Boesen’s election as the first woman to lead Iowa’s Capitol city is both a historic milestone and a call to action. She views her role not just as a personal achievement, but as an opportunity to inspire future leaders and strengthen every corner of the city. “Neighborhood …
