Research

Connecting BU Research to Cities Locally, Nationally, & Globally

The Initiative on Cities leverages Boston University’s world-class research and diverse faculty expertise in urban studies – from law and engineering to public health and the environment – to inform policy, shape practice, and drive progress toward livable and resilient cities nationally and globally.

Urban-H Research Agenda

In the Spring of 2023, the Initiative on Cities launched a new 5 year
strategic research project, Urban-H’, focused on addressing three
key challenges that pose a growing threat to urban livability and
resilience: Housing, Heat, and Health.

We examine these issues separately and as a tripartite, focusing
on equity and justice. In doing so, we engage with and work
alongside practitioners, policymakers, governments, and local
communities to develop and implement evidence-based,
practical, grassroots, and top-down solutions.

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Research Impact

Since the Initiative's founding in 2014, our urban research has encompassed the local, national, and international through our long-running U.S.-based Menino Survey of Mayors and our Early Stage Urban Research Awards, as well as policy and practice-based reports and publications from the Initiative.

491

mayors surveyed

107

seed grant projects funded

$ 16,499,619

of funding catalyzed by our seed grants

$ 1,046,048

in seed grant funding

100 +

papers, books, chapters published

Leading the American City

In 2018, the Initiative on Cities created a five-part video series
exploring American mayoral leadership, governance, and power.
The series features in-depth interviews with eight transformative
mayors, who candidly reflect on their time in office and share
insights into the challenges, responsibilities, and impact of the
mayor’s role.

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