Justin de Benedictis-Kessner studies urban politics and the surprisingly difficult question of accountability: when something in a city works—or doesn’t—do residents actually know who is responsible? His work explores how complex institutions, elections, media, and everyday public services shape the relationship between cities and the people they serve.

Zohran Mamdani is the Mayor of New York City. His administration has experimented with bringing organizing directly into city government, including the creation of the Mayor’s Office of Mass Engagement to expand the ways New Yorkers participate in shaping public decisions.

The Boston Office of Civic Organizing works to make it easier for residents to participate in civic life and take action in their neighborhoods. Its programs range from civic leadership and neighborhood events to micro-grants, mobile City Hall services, and Love Your Block, which supports resident-led neighborhood cleanups. The office describes its role as reducing barriers to civic participation and helping residents “connect, collaborate and take action.”

Warm Cookies of the Revolution was Denver’s “civic health club,” founded by artist and organizer Evan Weissman. Through gatherings combining art, conversation, food, games, and unexpected formats, it created approachable ways for people to wrestle with public issues and practice democracy together.