2018 Menino Survey

Methodology

110 mayors from around the country were interviewed throughout the summer of 2018, providing a representative sample of mayors and cities nationally.

Economic Development

When recruiting new employers to their community, mayors say that they emphasize workforce skills and quality of life.

Sharing Economy

A majority of mayors believe that the sharing economy has had a positive effect across all income levels, for residents of color, and for the business community.

Health

Mayors observe a wide range of health challenges confronting their communities from diabetes and obesity to mental health, but believe constituents hold them accountable for a different set of health concerns.

Housing

A majority of mayors view affordable housing as an integral part of their city’s infrastructure.

City Council

Mayors describe their relationships with their city councils as cooperative, and believe they wield at least some influence over their councils.

Poll: Political Hot Buttons

Mayors are divided on a number of salient contemporary issues and trade-offs, including marijuana legalization and allocating local government services to immigrants irrespective of their legal status, but find common ground on the extent of racial problems in the United States.

Boston University Initiative on Cities – www.bu.edu/ioc