TY - JOUR
T1 - How democratically elected mayors can achieve mission-oriented policies in turbulent times
AU - Ayres, Sarah
AU - Newman, Jack
AU - Sandford, Mark
AU - Barnfield, Andrew
AU - Bates, Geoff
PY - 2025/12/31
Y1 - 2025/12/31
N2 - This article explores how democratically elected mayors can achieve mission-oriented policies in turbulent times. Drawing on 132 interviews with decision-makers in England, it uses the case of healthy urban development to explore the role of elected mayors in mission delivery. Findings show that mayors can be figureheads for a place, work directly towards national missions, implement cross-cutting programmes, convene partnerships, and lead local innovations with new evidence and data. However, more central government support is needed with investment in capacity, a broader range of powers, and greater freedom from central targets and siloes.
AB - This article explores how democratically elected mayors can achieve mission-oriented policies in turbulent times. Drawing on 132 interviews with decision-makers in England, it uses the case of healthy urban development to explore the role of elected mayors in mission delivery. Findings show that mayors can be figureheads for a place, work directly towards national missions, implement cross-cutting programmes, convene partnerships, and lead local innovations with new evidence and data. However, more central government support is needed with investment in capacity, a broader range of powers, and greater freedom from central targets and siloes.
KW - democratically elected mayors
KW - place-based leadership
KW - complexity
KW - mission-oriented policy
KW - health
KW - evidence
UR - https://doi.org/10.1080/00343404.2025.2472014
U2 - 10.1080/00343404.2025.2472014
DO - 10.1080/00343404.2025.2472014
M3 - Article
SN - 0034-3404
VL - 59
JO - Regional Studies
JF - Regional Studies
IS - 1
ER -
