Mayors' Institute on City Design
WATERFRONT PARK, LOUISVILLE, KY DESIGNED BY HARGREAVES JONES / PHOTO BY CHARLES MAYER

Let’s start a conversation.

Whether you have questions, want to express interest in a session, or simply want to connect, we’d like to hear from you.

WATERFRONT PARK, LOUISVILLE, KY DESIGNED BY HARGREAVES JONES / PHOTO BY CHARLES MAYER

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    FAQs

    How do I get involved as a mayor?

    Welcome! We encourage you to explore our programs in detail (Institute Sessions, the MICD Just City Mayoral Fellowship, Alumni Advising, and Virtual Seminars) and contact us using the form above to learn more.

    How do I get involved as a design leader?

    MICD is always looking for new design leaders to participate in various programs throughout the year as Resource Team members. Resource Team members are generally mid-to-late career professionals who have experience working in or with the public sector and have a personal mission to improve the fabric of American cities. Ideal candidates have deep experience in architecture, arts & culture, city planning, community engagement, economic development, housing, landscape architecture, real estate development, transportation, and/or urban design.

    Interested design leaders are encouraged to send the following items to info@micd.org to be considered for future Resource Teams:

    • CV/resume
    • A short personal statement about why you are interested in serving on an MICD Resource Team. (This can be quite informal, from a couple paragraphs to a page. We encourage you to take liberty with this: what do you wish mayors knew, or how you think city leaders can harness good design to improve lives?)
    • Names of any past resource team members who could speak on your behalf
    What do past participants have to say about MICD?

    Explore our collection of testimonials from mayors and design leaders who have participated in MICD programs.

    What is the cost of MICD's programs?

    There is no cost to mayors or cities participating in MICD programming. Resource Team members receive a modest honorarium for their participation in MICD programs.

    Can I include my staff in MICD programs?

    Mayoral participation is required for all MICD programs. While participation at Institute Sessions  is limited to mayors, key staff participate alongside the mayor during the MICD Just City Mayoral Fellowship, Alumni Advising, and Virtual Seminars.

    I am interested in hosting an MICD Institute Session. How can I learn more?

    The RFQ seeking universities and nonprofits to host 2025-2026 Special Sessions is currently open through January 10, 2025.

    While MICD staff plans and manages National Sessions around the country, we also partner with universities and nonprofits to host Special Sessions geared toward specific types of cities or project themes.

     In a typical year, MICD launches an RFQ in the fall seeking two institutions interested in hosting these sessions the following year. Universities with accredited Schools of Architecture, Landscape Architecture, and/or Urban Planning as well as nonprofit design organizations are eligible to apply. Hosts are selected through a competitive process. Up to $50,000 in funding is awarded by MICD to each selected host for reimbursement of approved direct expenses from the session.

    Sign up for our email list to receive updates, and explore past years’ RFQs to learn more about the typical process

    Ready to lead with design?

    Contact Us