Future Forum | Mar, 10 2025 12:15PM - 1:45PM

Nine in 10 Americans live in metropolitan areas. These cities offer great opportunities, but they also face grand challenges. Throughout Texas, the rest of the country, and the world, our cities require fresh ideas, innovative partnerships, and feasible and affordable policies to address growing challenges.
The "Meet the Mayors" series at the LBJ School brings together mayors who are shaping the cities of the future. Urban Lab Director Steven Pedigo is joined by Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, to discuss the city’s commitment to enhancing public transport, fostering economic growth, and developing skills for young people.
The Urban Lab, LBJ School of Public Affairs, and Future Forum co-hosted this event.
About the Speaker:
Andy Burnham was first elected as Mayor of Greater Manchester in May 2017, re-elected for a second term in May 2021, and a third term in May 2024. Responsible for shaping the future of Greater Manchester, Andy’s priorities for his third term include continuing to build a London-style integrated transport system, ending the housing crisis by 2038, offering a new technical education pathway as an alternative to university and creating a new Live Well service, making Greater Manchester a great place to grow up, get on, and grow old. Before being elected Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy was MP for Leigh from 2001. Andy has held Ministerial positions in government at the Home Office, Department of Health and the Treasury. In 2008 he became Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, before returning to Health as Secretary of State in 2009. In opposition, Andy has served as Shadow Education Secretary, Shadow Health Secretary, and Shadow Home Secretary. Andy lives in Leigh, Greater Manchester, with his wife and three children.


