Harvard University's Institute Of Politics To Host Mayor-Elect Ken Welch

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — Mayor-elect Ken Welch is planning to attend a seminar for newly elected mayors hosted by the Institute of Politics at Harvard Kennedy School the end of November, a news release said.

The seminar will run from Nov. 30 to Dec. 2.

“I am honored to be invited, and I look forward to meeting other new mayors from around the country,’’ Mayor-elect Ken Welch said. “This is an excellent opportunity to learn from my peers and from Harvard policy experts more about issues we are all facing, and to hear more about what has worked and what hasn’t in other cities. We have our own exciting story to tell about St. Petersburg’s success in creating a vibrant city, and I’m eager to exchange ideas with other incoming mayors about effectively meeting common challenges such as adding affordable housing, addressing climate change and keeping our communities safe.’’

The Institute of Politics has joined with the U.S. Conference of Mayors to offer this seminar for the nation’s newly elected mayors since 1975, according to officials. The focus is on best practices with policy research to engage current and former mayors with Harvard policy experts in interactive sessions on the key issues they will confront as mayor, a news release said. Issues to be addressed at the upcoming seminar include challenges of managing a city during the pandemic, leading during a crisis, jobs and economic development, and public safety.

Welch will become St. Petersburg’s first Black mayor when he is inaugurated Jan. 6.

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• St. Petersburg Election Results: Ken Welch Is First Black Mayor