WHAT:  "The Role of Mayors in Urban Transformation" is the focus of the annual Urban Leadership Luncheon panel, sponsored by the Penn Institute for Urban Research at the University of Pennsylvania.

The panel, moderated by Susan M. Wachter, co-director of Penn IUR, will discuss the challenges facing urban mayors.  

WHO:    Current and former mayors from major cities will provide insights into the resources and actions needed to develop and transform America's urban centers.  

They include:

Manuel A. Diaz, mayor of Miami

Stephen Goldsmith, former mayor of Indianapolis

Marc H. Morial, former mayor of New Orleans

WHERE:University of Pennsylvania campus

Jon M. Huntsman Hall, 8th Floor Colloquium

3730 Walnut St.

Philadelphia

WHEN:  1:30 a.m., Wednesday, June 15

WHY:    With more people living in urban settings than in any other time in history, urban mayors face even greater challenges in solving long-standing problems such as housing, transportation, education and employment.  Mayors are also charged with maintaining the safety and wellbeing of these ever-increasing numbers of residents environmentally, socially and technologically. These mayors will offer their experiences and perspectives on how best to accomplish these undertakings.