Overview

The Center for Research & Innovation strives to strengthen communities, transform and improve cities, and assist city leaders, by knowing and learning about cities; identifying and sharing promising city practices; fostering effective solutions and innovation; and challenging cities and city leaders to lead.  The Center’s program areas provide an organizing framework—lenses—through which city leaders can evaluate activities, plan comprehensively for the future, set goals, and measure progress.

Conducting research and informing city leaders about the structure, health, and factors affecting city finances so that they can make better financial decisions.

Enhancing local officials’ capacity as economic development policy makers by exploring the local policies, practices, and roles that help build economically competitive cities.

Strengthening local democracy by involving residents in government and public life and developing inclusive and collaborative relationships built on trust between citizens and government.

Providing tools and resources that help city leaders foster and maintain the livability and quality of life that defines the unique character of their communities.

Serving as a resource for city leaders and community based organizations seekg to promote civic engagement and naturalization among immigrants.

Helping cities work with all levels of government to provide the transportation, water and sewer, and communication systems needed to succeed.

Serving as a catalyst for action and a source of information for local officials to achieve environmental quality, economic development, social equity, and a sustainable future for their communities.