Bloomberg Harvard Visiting Fellows Program
The Bloomberg Harvard Visiting Fellows Program brings expert practitioners in urban problem-solving and government innovation to the Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University to advance projects that can strengthen local government and city leadership.
Through a semester-long exchange that includes three visits to Harvard, Visiting Fellows engage with faculty, students, scholars, and practitioners to advance their projects while contributing their expertise to the Center’s research, teaching, and events.
Projects may include research, writing, convening, developing practical resources, or building initiatives and networks that benefit local governments and city leaders.
Applications are open through December 11, 2026.
Who Should Apply?
The program welcomes expert practitioners in urban problem-solving and government innovation, including former public servants, civic and community leaders, entrepreneurs, and leaders working in philanthropy, nonprofits, private sector, higher education, and related fields.
Applicants should have a demonstrated record of designing, leading, testing, implementing, or evaluating solutions to complex urban challenges and bring a specific project they are positioned to advance.
Projects must:
- Address an important urban challenge with the potential to benefit local governments, city leaders, or the residents.
- Be specific, feasible to advance during the fellowship, and within the applicant’s expertise and ability.
- Generate insights, tools, resources, or approaches that can benefit others working in and with cities.
Current and former mayors are not eligible. Applicants with prior government experience must have left their most recent government role at least 18 months before applying.
Fellows should also be prepared to contribute to and learn from the Center’s community, including engagement with students, scholars, and practitioners.
What Visiting Fellows Will Work On
Visiting Fellows pursue an independent project grounded in their professional expertise and addressing a specific urban challenge.
Potential outputs include:
- Research, writing, or practical guides and resources for civic leaders.
- Convenings that connect experts and practitioners around urban challenges.
- Adapting or teaching Center-developed materials in other settings.
- New approaches to government performance or innovation.
- Initiatives, programs, partnerships, or networks that extend the work beyond the fellowship.
The program is not an accelerator, incubator, project funder, grant program, or procurement pathway. Applicants are expected to have the expertise and ability to advance their proposed projects, drawing on the Center’s research, community, and networks to strengthen their work.
Program Details
The program requires a minimum commitment of one semester, including three planned visits to Cambridge, Massachusetts. Fellows remain based in their home communities and engage with the Center throughout the semester.
- Start of Term: Cohort convenes at Harvard for orientation, initial project discussions, engagement with the Center community, and planning for student involvement.
- Mid-Semester: Meetings with faculty and students, project feedback, and a student study group session.
- End of Semester: Sharing project progress and lessons learned, with opportunities for public discussion or convening.
The Center covers travel and accommodations associated with required campus visits. Fellows may also participate in Center events and explore opportunities for deeper collaboration, including joining research or multi-semester engagement.
Contributing to the Center Community
In addition to advancing their projects, Visiting Fellows are expected to:
- Lead one cohort-based student study group session and hold virtual office hours with students.
- Participate in Center events and activities.
- Share insights from their professional experience and contribute to mutually agreed-upon Center initiatives.
- Help connect others to relevant Center resources and opportunities.
Application & Selection
Applications are reviewed by Harvard faculty and Bloomberg Center for Cities staff through a competitive selection process.
Applicants will submit:
- A project proposal describing the urban problem, proposed work, anticipated outcomes, and their ability to advance it.
- An engagement plan outlining how they hope to work with students, faculty, and the Center community.
- A curriculum vitae or resume.
- Two letters of referral from a professional or academic colleague.
Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed before final selections are made.
Selection Criteria
Applications will be evaluated based on:
- Professional experience and demonstrated impact.
- Significance and relevance of the proposed project to urban problem-solving and city leadership.
- Feasibility of the project and the applicant’s ability to advance it.
- Potential to generate insights or resources that benefit others.
- Alignment with the Center’s mission and potential to contribute to its community, including student engagement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the program for mayors?
No. The Bloomberg Center for Cities already works extensively with current and former mayors through dedicated programs and initiatives. The Bloomberg Harvard Visiting Fellows Program complements these efforts by engaging experienced practitioners from other professional backgrounds who bring additional expertise and perspectives to urban problem-solving and city leadership.
Can I apply with a business or product idea?
The program is not designed to advance a private business or commercial product. Projects involving technology or private-sector organizations may qualify if they address an important urban problem and generate insights or approaches that benefit local governments or the broader field—not primarily to market or sell a product or service.
Do Visiting Fellows live at Harvard?
No. Visiting Fellows remain based in their home communities and engage with the Center throughout the semester, including three planned visits to Cambridge. The Center covers travel and accommodations associated with required campus visits.
Does the program fund Fellows’ projects?
No. The fellowship is not a project funding or procurement opportunity. Fellows are expected to advance their own projects while drawing on the Center.
