Case #2279.0

Charting a Course for Boston: Organizing for Change

Publication Date: March 5, 2024
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Abstract:
Boston Mayor-elect Michelle Wu was elected on the promise of systemic change. Four days after her November 2021 victory—and just eleven days before taking office—she considered how to get started delivering on her sweeping agenda. Wu faced the formidable challenge of structuring her team to create far-reaching change across city departments.

This case details the two main organizational models Wu examined and how she navigated the systems changes that she considered to be the core of her campaign. Should she hire high-profile advisors in the mayor’s office, assign the work to department heads, or pursue another arrangement? Explore how mayors can structure roles and teams to deliver meaningful results.

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Other Details

Case Authors:
Jorrit de Jong, Martin Weiss, Lisa Cox
Faculty Leads:
Jorrit de Jong and Martin Weiss
Pages (incl. exhibits):
10
Setting:
Boston
Language:
English
Funding Source:
Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative