Europe’s cities have long been at the cutting edge of civic innovation. But the challenges they are facing – climate crisis, pandemics, growing inequalities, migration, populism, new technologies – can feel increasingly daunting. 

Over the last two years, LSE Cities has been researching and leading a discussion about how Europe’s cities have developed, the issues and opportunities they are facing, and the support they need to forge more just, sustainable and democratic futures.

This event will launch a new publication capturing our research, presenting new data and case-studies, and drawing together viewpoints from cities experts and urban leaders. It will discuss the needs, capacity challenges, and priorities faced by cities leaders; the development of post-growth agendas in many European cities and the challenges and opportunities these represent; developments in housing, transport, and climate policy; and the (slowly) changing demographic profile of European Mayors.

We are delighted to be joined by Mohamed Ridouani, Mayor of Leuven, and Anna Lisa Boni, Deputy Mayor at the Municipality of Bologna, James Anderson, Head of Government Innovation program at Bloomberg Philanthropies, and Ben Rogers, Director of the European Cities Programme at LSE Cities, to discuss the future of urban Europe. 

Meet our Speakers and Chair

James Anderson (@JamesAnderson) leads the Government Innovation program at Bloomberg Philanthropies. The program helps city leaders solve their most vexing challenges through innovation, data and evidence, and collaboration through its work with hundreds of mayors and thousands of local officials in cities around the world each year. Previously, he served as communications director to New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg. 

Anna Lisa Boni (@annalisaboni2) is the Deputy Mayor for the municipality of Bologna responsible for EU/recovery funds, ecological transition and international relations. Previously she was the secretary general of Eurocities for over seven years, representing the voice of 200 big cities across Europe. She has 30 years of professional experience in EU public affairs in the field of local and regional government.

Mohamed Ridouani (@MohamedRidouani) is Mayor of the city of Leuven and was previously responsible for education, sustainability, economy and urban development. He stands for positive change and aims to turn Leuven into one of the most caring, green and prosperous cities in Europe, in cooperation with the citizens, knowledge institutions, companies and organisations. 

Ben Rogers (@ben_rog) is the Bloomberg Distinguished Fellow in Government Innovation and Director of the European Cities Programme at LSE Cities. He is also Professor of Practice at the University of London and former Director and founder of Centre for London, an influential think tank on London policy, with an international following. He writes on cities, citizenship, public service reform and the built environment.

Ricky Burdett (@burdettr) is Professor of Urban Studies and Director of LSE Cities at the London School of Economics and Political Science.

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LSE Cities (@LSECities) is an international centre that investigates the complexities of the contemporary city. It carries out research, graduate and executive education, engagement and advisory activities in London and abroad.