As public opinion of Congress remains at historic lows, many Americans have accepted gridlock as the governing norm. Yet this narrative – focusing exclusively on the federal government and the hurdles to bipartisanship – tells an incomplete story. American cities have forged ahead without federal support, experimenting with new approaches to address issues from climate change to education and infrastructure.

Join the International House Global Voices Program and the IOP as we welcome a panel of mayors from cities across the United States. Together, they’ll discuss the ways in which their city governments have adapted to federal gridlock by creating innovative solutions to public problems – while waiting for Washington to catch up.

Featuring:

Karen Freeman-Wilson, Mayor of Gary

Michael Hancock, Mayor of Denver

Mitch Landrieu, Mayor of New Orleans

Martin J. Walsh, Mayor of Boston

This conversation will be moderated by IOP Director David Axelrod.

This event is free and open to UChicago students, faculty, staff and the public.

Doors will open 30 minutes before the event begins. Any unclaimed seats will be released 10 minutes before the event begins.