Former Minneapolis Mayor Betsy Hodges to spend a semester at Harvard

Former Minneapolis Mayor Betsy Hodges has been tapped by the Harvard Kennedy School to be a "spring resident fellow" at the Institute of Politics.

She and six other fellows will regularly interact with students, lead study groups and "participate in the intellectual and social life of the Harvard community," a statement from the Kennedy School said.

The fellows will lead discussions on trade policy, racial equality, policing, local governance, technology in politics, social activism, how public policy is developed by conservatives and progressives, and the future of the two-party system.

Hodges' study, much like her term as mayor of Minneapolis, will focus on racial equity, policing, and local governance.

Besides Hodges, the fellows include a Silicon Valley lobbyist, a former national and state Republican Party chair, a former president of the Export-Import Bank, and former GOP and Democratic campaign operatives.

"I look forward to welcoming an exceptional group of political practitioners, policymakers, and social activists who will provide students with a broad spectrum of perspectives and direct opportunities to participate in respectful dialogue and provide unique insight," said Bill Delahunt, acting director of the Institute of Politics.

Hodges, who declined to comment, lives in southwest Minneapolis. She served eight years on the City Council and one term as mayor before she was defeated in the November election by Jacob Frey.

Adam Belz • 612-673-4405 Twitter: @adambelz