By Andreas Scocos • Mayors Innovation Project 1. Expand Affordable Housing Initiatives Affordable housing remains one of the most pressing issues in cities across the country. ARPA funds are being used to expand housing options, …
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A Democratic Vision for Local Governance: What Role Can Mayors Play?
In an era of state preemption, by which state governments (often Republican) increasingly limit the ability of large-city mayors (often Democratic) to implement policies, mayors across the United States are finding innovative ways to preserve local …
Good Ideas for Cities: Creative Tactics Cities are Using to Address the Child Care Shortage
By Mary Carr Lee, Mayors Innovation Project Across the country, tens of thousands child care programs were projected to close when the child care stabilization grant program ended in September of 2023. The historic $24 …
All Democracy is Local: The Critical Role of Mayors and City Leaders in the 2024 Election
By Mary Carr Lee • Mayors Innovation Project The stakes could not be higher in the 2024 Election and local governments have a critical role to play to help protect the right to vote and …
Summer 2024 Meeting Innovation Showcase Recap
At the 2024 Summer Meeting, eight mayors from across the country participated in the Innovation Showcase and shared innovative ideas that they’re using to improve their cities. From tracking snow plows with GPS to implementing AI designed to identify fires and notify EMS – we heard about many exciting ideas happening at the city level. Read to learn more about the great ideas shared!
Good Ideas for Cities: Combating Extreme Heat
Hot days are becoming hotter and more frequent. Some cities are working to combat heat island effects in innovative ways. From Phoenix’s cool pavement to Cleveland’s Community Forestry Corps Program, read below to learn how cities are taking action to beat the heat and create cooler, safer, more sustainable cities.
Mayor Hart part of national housing panel
“Last weekend, Mayor Quentin Hart was one of two mayors invited to speak on affordable housing at a national panel in Tennessee. The Mayors Innovation Project Summer 2024 Meeting’s panel explored ways cities are using …
Promoting Community Civility to Reduce Local Political Violence
“According to the Mayors Innovation Project, threats against local officials are also threats “to democracy, [by] threatening to deter individuals from campaigning, serving in office, and seeking subsequent terms… [they are] threatening to deter progress …
Making the Most of the Moment: Building Municipal Capacity for Federal Funds
By: Gabriel Kahan, Julia Wright, Holly West, and Quincy Midthun • ProGov21 Recent legislation under the Biden administration to hasten a green transition and revitalize American infrastructure is ambitious in scale. Billions are now available …
“High-Road Mayors” Must Be “Procurement People”
By Zach Lax • Founder, Bidmark The truest reflection of a government’s values and priorities is what it spends money on. Legislation can be toothless, policies can be underenforced, and strategic plans can collect dust. …