Mayor Bynum Joins City Leaders from Around the World for Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative

7/27/2018

Mayor G.T. Bynum was selected to join 40 mayors this summer for an intensive education program with the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative.

As a participant in the Initiative’s 2018 program, Mayor Bynum is part of a class of dedicated mayors attending a program delivered by faculty from Harvard Business School and Harvard Kennedy School as well as world-class experts from Bloomberg Philanthropies’ global network.

The yearlong program launched with a three-day convening earlier this week in New York of classroom sessions focused on the latest management and leadership practices, using case studies and workshops developed at Harvard.

“I’ve been mayor for over a year now and have learned a lot about city government, but I know there is more to learn so I can serve the citizens of Tulsa to the best of my ability,” Mayor Bynum said. “I’m looking forward to the year ahead as a great opportunity for city leaders from all over the world to meet, exchange ideas and discuss how best to approach solving pressing issues for our citizens. My team is invested in using data, working across sectors, and anything else that may help produce results.”

Michael R. Bloomberg, founder Bloomberg Philanthropies and three-term mayor of New York City, collaborated with outgoing Harvard University President Drew Faust to create the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative in 2016.

The Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative will connect Mayor Bynum to some of the university’s top educators, coaching from experts, a network of peers, and technical assistance. The program provides an opportunity to share best practices and learn from fellow mayors about the promising ideas that are already helping to enhance the quality of life in cities around the world.

Collectively, Harvard University and Bloomberg Philanthropies aim to help mayors and their leadership teams manage the complexities of running a city, and to have opportunities to learn from one another.

After the mayors convening, two senior-level city officials nominated by each mayor will attend a similar convening in August. Michael Junk, Deputy Mayor and Jack Blair, Chief of Staff will participate in the yearlong program and help translate the information learned into organizational changes that can help improve life in Tulsa.

Mayor Bynum’s participation in the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative and that of his two senior leaders – including tuition, accommodation, meals, and airfare – is fully funded by the program. 

The Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative is a collaboration among Bloomberg Philanthropies, Harvard Business School, and Harvard Kennedy School. Its mission is to inspire and strengthen city leaders as well as equip them with the tools to lead high-performing, innovative cities.