New Center Focused on Study of Urban Issues Worldwide Opens

NEW YORK CITY-Looking to improve the quality of life in the world’s cities, New York University announced on Wednesday that it has established an institute dedicated to urban development and sustainability. Funded by a $40 million donation from entrepreneur and philanthropist Donald Marron, the aptly named Marron Institute will focus on policies and initiatives aimed at creating more livable cities, according an official announcement of the new facility.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who was on hand for the announcement, heaped praise on Marron, a lifelong New Yorker and the chairman of Lightyear Capital. “Don Marron has given a tremendous amount to make his hometown a better place, so it’s fitting that this institute—which I know will do a tremendous amount to build a strong future not only for New York but for all the world’s cities—should bear his name,” Bloomberg said. “Making sure that cities remain centers of innovation and learning is key to our future.”