Case and Materials
Charting a Course for Boston: Organizing for Change
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![Lisa Cox]()
![Mitch Weiss Headshot]()
![Jorrit de Jong staff headshot]()
- Authors Lisa C. Cox, Mitchell B. Weiss, Jorrit de Jong
Last Updated
Topic
Strategic Leadership and Management
Locations
North America, Northeast Region, United States
Overview
Boston Mayor-elect Michelle Wu faced the challenge of structuring her team to create far-reaching change across city departments. Should she hire high-profile advisors in the mayor’s office, assign the work to department heads, or pursue another arrangement? This case study helps set the stage for learners to discuss how mayors can structure roles and teams to deliver strong results.
Guides for using this case are forthcoming.
Introduction
Michelle Wu was elected on the promise of systemic change. Four days after her November 2021 victory — and just eleven days before taking office as mayor of Boston — she considered how to get started delivering on her sweeping agenda. This case ends with Wu deciding between two organizational models she might leverage to deliver on her campaign promises.
