Harvard, Bloomberg launch $32M project to train US mayors

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (AP) - Harvard University says it's partnering with business titan Michael Bloomberg to provide leadership training to mayors across the U.S.

The former New York City mayor is donating $32 million to start the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative, which aims to train up to 300 mayors over the next four years.

Mayors invited to the program will gather in New York City for three days to learn from Harvard faculty and then continue the yearlong program online.

Bloomberg says in a statement that city leaders face a growing range of responsibilities but are rarely given the chance to learn from experts and one another.

The initiative is designed to help mayors tackle issues including poverty and climate change. It will also create summer internships for Harvard students in mayors' offices.