Today, Leading Cities works with a global network of over 3,000 cities, connecting local governments with the solutions, partnerships, and resources they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world. But, Leading Cities began with a global vision and local roots. Founded through a collaboration between forward-thinking cities—Dublin, Boston, Barcelona, Rio de Janeiro, Lyon, Hamburg, Lisbon, Zapopan, Vancouver, and Haifa—Leading Cities was built on the belief that the challenges we face as a planet will be solved in the places we live: our cities.

Originally established in 2008 at Northeastern University, Leading Cities evolved from a research initiative into an independent nonprofit, expanding its mission to drive sustainability, resilience, and innovation in local governments worldwide. Today, we support a global network of cities, startups, investors, non-profits and corporate partners, working together to accelerate impact where it matters most.