City ambition: Why we need it, what it looks like, how we get there

Public lecture hosted by LSE Cities

The constraints and demands under which cities operate are continually changing, as financial resources tighten, citizen expectations increase, and national governments grapple with gridlock. However, this also uniquely positions local governments to provide solutions to many of today’s greatest challenges.

James Anderson, who leads the Government Innovation programs at Bloomberg Philanthropies, spoke about his experience helping city leaders to solve their most vexing challenges through innovation, data and evidence, and collaboration.

Image courtesy: Bloomberg Philanthropies 

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    James Anderson

    James Anderson leads Government Innovation programs at Bloomberg Philanthropies. The portfolio helps city leaders solve their most vexing challenges through innovation, data and evidence, and collaboration. More than 250 cities worldwide are currently supported through grants, technical expertise, and educational and networking programs. Before joining Bloomberg Philanthropies, James served as communications director to New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg. During that time, he was the chief architect of NYC Service, the City’s high impact citizen service strategy. Previously, he served as senior advisor to the commissioner of the City’s homeless services agency, and as communications director for the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network.

    Ricky Burdett

    Ricky Burdett is Professor of Urban Studies at the London School of Economics (LSE), and director of LSE Cities and the Urban Age project. He is a member of the Mayor of London’s Cultural Leadership Board, and was chief advisor on Architecture and Urbanism for the London 2012 Olympics and architectural advisor to the Mayor of London from 2001 to 2006. He was director of the International Architecture Exhibition at the Venice Biennale in 2006. With Deyan Sudjic he is co-editor of The Endless City (2007) and Living in the Endless City (2011) and, with Philipp Rode Shaping Cities in an Urban Age (2018).