Mayor-elect Michael Garcia spent a good portion of last week preparing for his new job at the Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University’s Program for New Mayors: First 100 Days.
Garcia was selected as one of 34 newly elected U.S. mayors from across the country to take part in the intensive convening at Harvard University, designed to support mayors during their transition into office and throughout their first 100 days. The experience, delivered in collaboration with Bloomberg Philanthropies, the Institute of Politics at Harvard Kennedy School, and the U.S. Conference of Mayors, brought together local leaders representing communities across 23 states. Top priorities revolved around focused learning, collaboration, and leadership development.
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Michael Garcia
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to participate in the Bloomberg Center for Cities Program for New Mayors First 100 Days at Harvard University alongside mayors from across the country,” Garcia said via release. “It was an invaluable chance to learn from leaders facing similar challenges, share ideas, and bring proven tools back home to Santa Fe. I’m returning from this experience energized and focused on being ready to take office on day one, to build an effective City Hall, strengthen collaboration, and deliver results for Santa Feans. This is about learning, listening, and making sure our city government is prepared to serve our community with openness, accountability, and innovation from the very start.”
The conference combined in-person sessions with the promise of continued engagement through spring 2026. It offering research-backed leadership frameworks, peer learning, and practical tools focused on building effective teams, setting priorities, managing crises, and delivering for residents.
The stated purpose of Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University is to support mayors and city leaders worldwide by advancing research, leadership training, and practical resources to strengthen public management and governance at the local level.
