Leadership & Urban Transformation

American cities are playing an increasingly important role in America’s economic future. Whether it is high tech, clean energy, finance or expanded retail, the Mayor plays a unique and vital role in finding the solutions to our nation’s most important problems. Even as there is extraordinary optimism about the future of America’s cities, most continue to grapple with the devastating effects of 20th century deindustrialization and racial disparities in education, income, housing, and health. It has become the task of the Mayor to both balance the demands of disparate interests and govern fairly and effectively. As the federal government continues to disinvest in domestic policy, Mayors have taken up the challenge to ensure an urban future that both supports innovative economic development, sustainability, and social inclusion. In this course, we will explore how Mayors make their cities work, including campaigning for election, the relationship of politics to governing; managing the city bureaucracy; leadership during crisis, and transforming policy through innovation. I will rely on my experiences as Mayor of Philadelphia, but we will focus broadly on American cities. The readings will help provide additional theoretical and empirical context. With limited power but vast possibility, today’s Mayors can help set agendas not only for their cities, but also for their nation.