Boston University Initiative on Cities

The Boston University Initiative on Cities (IOC) was created in 2014 as a university-wide hub for urban research, learning and practice. The Initiative catalyzes research in, on, and with cities, hosts critical conversations, and creates experiential, place-based learning opportunities for students. We marshal the talents and resources of wide-ranging disciplines across Boston University, lead ground-breaking research on mayoral leadership, and forge ties to cities locally, nationally, and globally in pursuit of sustainable, just and inclusive urban transformation.

True to its origins, it is co-led by a scholar-activist, Professor of Sociology Loretta Lees, and a practitioner, Co-Director Katharine Lusk.