Norton selected to participate in global leadership initiative

Rochester Mayor Kim Norton is among 40 mayors from across the globe who have been invited to participate in an education program through the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative.

Norton traveled to New York City earlier this week to meet with the 2019-2020 cohort of mayors. The group — which includes mayors from Dallas to Warsaw — spent three days getting to know each other and attending seminars focused on the latest management and leadership practices.

“Being chosen for the program is an honor,” Norton said this week. “I’m looking forward to the year ahead as a great opportunity for city leaders to meet, exchange ideas, and discuss how best to approach solving pressing problems for our residents.”

The initiative is a collaboration between Bloomberg Philanthropies, Harvard Kennedy School, and Harvard Business School. The goal is “to help mayors and their leadership teams manage the complexities of running a city, and to give these leaders opportunities to learn from one another.”

As part of the program, Norton will have access to top educators, coaching from experts, a network of peers, and technical assistance.

She also has the opportunity to nominate two senior-level city officials to attend a convening in August. The city employees will also attend virtual classes throughout the year.

“These participants will partake in the yearlong program, and help Mayor Norton translate what they learn into organizational changes that improve life in Rochester,” the city said in a news release.

The city’s participation in the initiative comes at no cost to local taxpayers. The entire program — including tuition, accommodation, meals, and airfare — is being fully funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies.  

Sean Baker is a Rochester journalist and the founder of Med City Beat.