Eddie Melton, Gary's new mayor, is getting some extra help during his first 100 days.
He is among 27 selectees for the Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University’s Program for New Mayors: First 100 Days, according to a press release.
The mayors represent 19 states and 8.7 million people. The group met for a two-day session at Harvard University where they received training from Harvard faculty, urban planning experts and other mayors.
“As cities find themselves on the frontlines of addressing increasingly global challenges, the Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard’s Program for New Mayors is designed to help new mayors make the most of their roles,” according to the Bloomberg Center for Cities website. “Through the program, mayors gain strategic insights for strengthening critical leadership and management skills, leading teams to work across departments and sectors, and building out their city hall organizations in their first days and months in office.”
The program is a collaboration with Bloomberg Philanthropies, the U.S. Conference of Mayors and the Institute of Politics at Harvard Kennedy School.
Other notable mayors on the list include: Kerry Thomson – Bloomington; Stephanie Terry – Evansville; and Brandon Johnson – Chicago, Illinois.
Melton also served as a state senator of Indiana's third district since Nov. 8, 2016. He resigned his office in the fall to prepare for his term as mayor of Gary. A replacement will be chosen Jan. 3.
Melton will speak at the Gary Chamber of Commerce's first luncheon of the year on Jan. 8
