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We will examine in this study group how major national political issues reveal their human face in the neighborhoods and streets of our cities. We will look at breakthrough policy innovations at the level of government closest to the people. We will explore the joys and heartaches of politics and leadership in America’s dynamic cities!

Session 1 2/13/08: Cities: Where the Action Is

America’s cities, whether they are large or small, core cities, first-tier suburbs or new cities, display a vibrant political culture marked by competitive elections and accountable elected officials. Perhaps that is why the most innovative work in American government today is going on in our cities. We will examine why cities have become the hubs of policy innovation in sharp contrast to the gridlocked federal government and increasingly moribund state governments. We will see how the leadership in cities is finding new answers to age-old challenges and improving the lives of those who call cities their homes.

Session 2 2/20/08: Education Reform that Produces Real Results

Indianapolis’s unique system of mayor-sponsored charter schools won Harvard’s Innovations in American Government Award in 2006. We will examine this results-focused education reform initiative as a prelude to a discussion of what is working and what is not among the many efforts across the country to dramatically improve urban education outcomes.

Guests:Ariel Rozman, CEO of The New Teacher Project, a New York City-based national organization inspired by Teach for America that recruits “mid-career” professionals to become teachers in subject matters and geographic areas of greatest need.

David Harris, President and CEO of The Mind Trust, an organization promoting transformational work in public education through social entrepreneurs; former Charter Schools Director for the City of Indianapolis.

Session 3 2/27/08: Stepping Up to the Plate on Global Warming

The federal government has shown itself unable or unwilling to lead the American people’s desire for action to arrest global climate change. Cities have taken the lead in energy conservation, greenhouse gas emissions reduction, and environmental sustainability. We will hear the perspective of a key United States Senator on what the challenges and possibilities are in Washington, and discuss what cities are doing and can do to lead by example on an issue that has captured the American public’s attention as few complex policy questions ever have.

Guest: United States Senator Evan Bayh (D – Indiana), via videoconference.

Session 4 3/5/08: The Immigration Debate Plays Out on the Streets of America’s Cities

Immigration is an explosive political issue at the federal, state and local levels. The human drama plays out most starkly on the streets of our cities. We will look at how cities are responding to enormous growth in immigrant populations and at the immigration issues that are unique to cities, and we will consider the benefits and burdens of immigration from both the immigrant perspective and the city government perspective.

Guest: Ricardo Gambetta, former Director of Latino Affairs for the City of Indianapolis, and recipient of numerous national awards for programs and projects focused on Latino immigrants.

Session 5 3/12/08: How the Arts Define a City’s Personality

National chain stores and restaurants, homogenous infrastructure design, no historic structures for historic preservationists to save in new cities and new growth areas of older cities – these trends contribute to cities becoming increasingly indistinguishable from one another. When city government partners with the arts community, we often see a creative explosion that redefines the city and gives it a unique personality. We will look at how a city can move the arts toward the top of the public policy agenda.

Guest: Jeff Sparks, Founder, President and CEO of Heartland Truly Moving Pictures, which runs the acclaimed Heartland Film Festival and promotes the work of independent film makers.

Session 6 4/2/08: New Approaches to Ending Chronic Homelessness in the Richest Country in the World

Cities across America have taken up the challenge of eventually ending chronic homelessness. In the past, we have focused on ameliorating the immediate condition of our homeless neighbors, rather than on how to provide permanent housing with support services for them. City after city has now adopted a “blueprint to end homelessness” based on this “housing first” approach. Invaluable direction and support has been provided by the President’s point man on homelessness, Philip Mangano. Mr. Mangano will give us the background – and a dose of inspiration – for our discussion.

Guests:Philip Mangano, Executive Director of the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness.

Bill Moreau, Board Chair, Coalition for Homelessness Intervention and Prevention, Indianapolis.

Session 7 4/9/08 : The Politics of Being an NFL City

Like many cities, Indianapolis risked losing its professional football team in the absence of a new financial deal. The city wanted to minimize the use of public money to support the team. The Colts’ owner wanted to sign key players such as Peyton Manning and Dwight Freeney to long-term contracts. We will look at how a new agreement with the Colts was negotiated, the economics of the NFL (salary cap, television contract), and the politics of financing and building a $700 million football stadium.

Guest: Bill Polian, President of Football Operations for the Indianapolis Colts, and chief architect of one of the NFL’s winningest franchises; former General Manager of the Buffalo Bills and the Carolina Panthers.

Session 8 4/16/08: What the Future Holds for America’s Cities

Our cities are the economic and cultural hubs of life in 21st Century America. They are vital forces for creativity and innovation in government and public policy as well. Yet it is far from clear that this leadership role will continue. Cities have been threatened by destructive forces for decades, but they keep coming back – in many cases stronger than ever. In this concluding session, we will discuss how to preserve and build upon what is best about our cities and manage the forces that would send our cities into decline.