Benjamin Harrington

Community development director for the city of Saline, Michigan

Ben is currently the Community Development Director for the City of Saline, MI where he guides the city’s housing, planning, zoning, and economic development policies/initiatives. He holds a Master’s Degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Minnesota and has received his American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) credential. Ben also has a background in research, working on multiple projects throughout his academic career, and he previously worked as a researcher for the Minneapolis Federal Reserve Bank’s Center For Indian Country Development. He has lived almost the entirety of his life in the Midwest of the United States and has a particular passion for building capacity in local governments, shaping local economies, and improving the quality of life of the people he serves.

Democracy Closest to Home: Principles for Local Leadership in Industrial Heartlands 

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This paper highlights insights from our journey and proposes a set of principles for local leadership rooted in our experiences as a younger generation of transatlantic leaders navigating structural change. Our recommendations emphasise civic connection and identity, locally grounded communication, and visible delivery.
Benjamin Harrington, Colleen Dougherty, Emily Adams, Linus Platzer, Milad Tabesch

We develop and debate progressive ideas and bring together leading actors who turn thoughts into action. Our think tank’s goal: making the just transformation a reality. ▸ Learn more