Building Democracy from the Ground Up: A Conversation with Mayors

Cities are at the forefront of efforts to upgrade constitutional democracy for 21st-century conditions. From expanding voter participation to making local government more open, transparent, and accountable, leaders are reimagining how residents interact with government and shape the decisions that affect their daily lives.

Join mayors from Athens, Greece; Oakland, California; and Wichita, Kansas for a dynamic conversation on how local leadership is advancing more inclusive and responsive democratic systems. Drawing on their experiences across diverse political and civic contexts, these leaders will share how they are implementing strategies such as participatory budgeting, community-driven policymaking, and cross-sector collaboration to strengthen civic engagement and public trust.

Mayors will offer practical insights into the challenges and opportunities of governing in this moment, and how local leadership can serve as a powerful engine for democratic renewal. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how cities can foster civic trust, empower communities, and build systems that reflect the voices and needs of all residents.

This event is co-hosted by the Bloomberg Center for Cities and the Allen Lab for Democracy Renovation. Doors open and lunch is available at 11:45 a.m. 

Virtual event is open to all. The in-person event is open to Harvard University ID holders only. Registration is required as space is limited.