Value proposition

The Marron Institute is dedicated to working with residents, officials, and practitioners to address pressing challenges on issues such as city planning, criminal justice, and environmental health.

Good urban management is the efficient provision of public safety, public health, and public space. In a world with ever more urban residents, better urban management will unlock the collaborative potential of cities and empower billions of people to better their lives.

Started with a generous gift from our founding donor, Donald B. Marron, the Marron Institute partners with government and intergovernmental agencies, NGOs, philanthropic foundations, and other academic institutions to work on pressing urban challenges around the world.

The Marron Institute currently supports four programs: Crime and Justice, Air Quality, New Cities, and Urban Expansion.

Crime and Justice, led by Professor Mark Kleiman, works to reduce crime and mass incarceration, and develop sensible approaches to drug policy.

Air Quality, led by Professor Kevin Cromar, works to improve the health and welfare of urban residents by finding cost-effective ways to monitor and reduce air pollution.

New Cities, led by Professor Paul Romer and supported jointly with the NYU Stern Urbanization Project, is focused on the potential for startup cities to fast track reform and facilitate global migration.

Urban Expansion, led by Professor Shlomo Angel and supported jointly with the NYU Stern Urbanization Project, works with rapidly-growing cities to make room for their inevitable expansion.