National Advisory Council Expands Influence of Mayors’ Institute

An impressive group of 21 nationally-known leaders on urban design issues has agreed to serve on the newly created National Advisory Council of the Mayors’ Institute on City Design.

“The creation of the National Advisory Council is a milestone for the Mayors’ Institute as we think of ways to expand the influence and effectiveness of the organization,” said Mayors’ Institute Director Aaron Koch. “We need the involvement of the best minds in the U.S. working from a variety of perspectives as we shape the work of the Institute. With these members, that is exactly what we have.”

Named to the Advisory Council are:

Joan Abrahamson, President, Jefferson Institute
Fred Carl, founder, Chairman, President, and CEO, Viking Range Corporation
Adele Chatfield-Taylor, President, American Academy in Rome
The Honorable Manuel Diaz, Mayor, City of Miami
Mark Falcone, Managing Director, Continuum Partners
Reese Fayde, CEO, Living Cities
Richard Florida, Author, The Rise of the Creative Class
Robert Forbes, Founder and Director, Design Within Reach
The Honorable Shirley Franklin, Mayor, City of Atlanta
Harvey Gantt, Founder and Partner, Gantt Huberman Architects
The Honorable Kay Granger, U.S. House of Representatives, 12th District of Texas
The Honorable Michael Guido, Mayor, City of Dearborn
Robert Larson, Managing Director and Chairman, Lazard Freres Real Estate Investors
E. Joseph Moravec, Commissioner, Public Building Services, U.S. General Services Administration
Robert Peck, President, Greater Washington Board of Trade
Daniel Pink, Author, Free Agent Nation and A Whole New Mind
The Honorable Joseph P. Riley, Jr., Mayor, City of Charleston, SC
Jaquelin T. Robertson, Partner, Cooper Robertson
Craig Robbins, Founder, Dacra
Peter Rummel, Chairman and CEO, The St. Joe Company

The members of the National Advisory Council were selected because of their demonstrated commitment to improving urban design and their belief in its ability to transform cities. They will help increase the impact of the program by helping staff boost resources, visibility, and support for the Mayors’ Institute.

“We are extraordinarily fortunate that people with these credentials will be lending their influence and sharing their knowledge to help us further the work of the Mayors’ Institute,” said Koch. “Their involvement underscores the importance that design-conscious mayors can have on the future of their cities.”