July 29, 2022

Let's talk about the power of mayors to change the world.

As a few of you may know, my dream is to be a mayor when I grow up.

Not because I'm excited for vicious political campaigns, but because I believe mayors have one of the most impactful elected positions. They can make sweeping changes across a large metropolis while still knowing their constituency by name and face. Because cities often share the same challenges and opportunities, mayors can inspire change in urban environments around the world. In the best case scenario, these civic leaders are able to absorb the full spectrum of forces in a city--policy, design, incentives, private and public sectors--and coalesce them into a plan that comprehensively improves quality of life.

Organizations like the U.S. Conference of Mayors (chaired by Mayor Suarez of Miami), Global Parliament of Mayors, and Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy bank on this potential.

If you're still not sold, check out one of my all time favorites: If Mayors Ruled the World by Ben Barber.

Do you believe in the power of mayors? Would love to hear your thoughts!

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MUST-READS

Plans for the world’s largest structure in Saudi Arabia // WSJ

Pottery Barn debuts 150 pieces of furniture for people with disabilities // FastCompany

Nation’s mayors launch standing committee on technology and innovation to strengthen city broadband deployment, cybersecurity defenses, and digital services // U.S. Conference of Mayors

6 urban design projects with nature-based solutions // ArchDaily

How innovation in mortgage technology will enable the real estate transaction of the future // First American

New York developers figure out the electric building // Commercial Observer

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IDEA SPOTLIGHT

Intelligent City

Billing itself as a technology company, Intelligent City provides the design, fabrication and delivery of innovative urban housing for sustainable and inclusive communities. Their approach claims to reduce risk and outperform conventional housing projects in speed, accuracy, and quality. Many of the aspirational elements we’d hope for in development—affordability, carbon neutrality, mass timber, passive house, and longevity—are incorporated into their practices.

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