The 81st National Session of the Mayors’ Institute on City Design (MICD) took place July 16-18, 2025 in Providence, RI, hosted by Mayor Brett Smiley. The event convened eight mayors from around the country in a collaborative workshop to discuss the most pressing design and development issues in each of their cities.
Six experts in architecture, landscape architecture, arts and culture, transportation, urban planning, real estate development, and economic development joined the mayors for two and a half days of discussions, exchanging ideas and offering pragmatic advice for each project. The participating mayors brought a range of projects to this session, seeking to address a wide array of challenges and opportunities through improvements to the built environment.
Throughout the session, mayors explored frameworks for catalyzing mixed-use redevelopment of legacy industrial districts, investing in a vibrant and connected public realm, uplifting local cultural assets for social and economic vitality, and designing for safe and vibrant corridors. Participants left with strengthened aspirations and a new set of tools for leading with design.
“MICD is a gift. I expected to get technical advice on my specific project but what I got was a 2-day masterclass in planning, design, and city building.”
Raleigh, NC Mayor Janet Cowell“What an incredible experience! Not only did I gain great insight on my case study, but I learned from the other mayors’ case studies – real, tangible actions I can bring home.”
Orion Township, MI Supervisor Chris Barnett
Mayors were introduced to the many facets of the design process by the Resource Team, a group of multi-disciplinary experts whose breadth and depth of experience illustrated how design can generate creative solutions to complex problems.
“An energizing experience built around new professional connections, shared knowledge, and best practices, offering hope and tools for better governance.”
James Lima | James Lima Planning + Development, New York, NY“MICD is an amazing experience to engage with mayors on the challenges facing cities across the country and to use design as a tool to improve outcomes for their residents and communities. It’s a powerful opportunity to elevate design.”
Alexa Bush | Director of Planning and Development, City of Detroit, MI
The session began with a tour of Providence that showcased the city’s historic neighborhoods, variety of architectural styles, and past and upcoming planning and development projects. Led by Director of Planning and Development Joseph I. Mulligan III, the tour highlighted pivotal moments in Providence’s development history, ever-changing challenges balancing housing needs and growth, and what’s next for the Creative Capital.
At the opening reception and dinner that followed, Mayor Smiley welcomed the group and shared his reflections on the power of bold city leadership to make transformative change. The group was also welcomed by Grace Oran, Program Director for the Mayors’ Institute on City Design; Maya Hering, Design and Creative Placemaking Specialist at the National Endowment for the Arts; and Erin Sheeran, Membership Manager for the United States Conference of Mayors.
While in Providence, the group also joined thousands of locals and visitors to witness a special Waterfire lighting, Providence’s signature arts event. Along the base of the Michael S. Van Leesten Memorial Bridge – an award-winning pedestrian bridge built upon a former interstate’s piers – Waterfire’s newest braziers were lit amid a world-class stretch of riverfront parks and dynamic public space.
Mayors
Mayor Brett Smiley | Providence, RI (Host)
Mayor Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft | Alameda, CA
Mayor Daniel Rickenmann | Columbia, SC
Mayor Molly Rawn | Fayetteville, AR
Mayor Mark Freeman | Mesa, AZ
Supervisor Chris Barnett | Orion Township, MI
Mayor Rita Ali | Peoria, IL
Mayor Mark Dion | Portland, ME
Mayor Janet Cowell | Raleigh, NC
Resource Team
Alexa Bush | Director of Planning and Development, City of Detroit, Detroit, MI
Eric Höweler | Founding Principal, Höweler + Yoon Architecture LLP, Boston, MA
Robin Hutcheson | Principal, Hutcheson Advisory LLC, Minneapolis, MN
Stephen Klimek | Executive Director, Towerside Innovation District, Minneapolis, MN
James Lima | President, JLP+D, New York, NY
Christopher Marcinkoski | University of Pennsylvania & PORT, Philadelphia, PA
The Mayors’ Institute on City Design (MICD) is a leadership initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with the United States Conference of Mayors. Since 1986, MICD has helped transform communities through design by preparing mayors to be the chief urban designers of their cities. MICD conducts several sessions each year. For a list of upcoming events, past participants, and more information, visit micd.org and follow @MICDdotORG on Twitter.