How do you take the positive aspects of Silicon Valley, and apply it to a radically different context like developing charter cities? Today, Jeffrey Mason, Head of Research at the Charter Cities Institute (CCI), is joined by Mark Lutter, Founder and Executive Director of CCI, and CEO of Braavos Cities, to discuss how the charter cities ecosystem has evolved over the past few years and what he’s learned about building successful coalitions. Mark tells us about the circumstances that motivated him to found CCI, and what it’s been like combining key features of Silicon Valley, (like entrepreneurial spirit, disruption, and innovation) with the challenging work of creating a coalition of different stakeholders — some of whom are likely to be relatively conservative. We discuss the broader ecosystem that CCI has been building, and how it can act as a force multiplier for other cities, before learning more about CCI’s most recent projects, including their endeavors in Zanzibar and how they are contributing to development there. Mark also expands on his new company, Braavos Cities, their long-term goals, and the work that they are doing in the Caribbean. We wrap up our conversation with an overview of exciting developments to pay attention to in the charter cities space, from Zanzibar to California, and how to gain momentum in politically challenging environments. Be sure to tune in for a deep dive into the evolution of charter cities and their broader ecosystem!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Welcoming back Mark Lutter, executive chairman of the Charter Cities Institute (CCI).
• An overview of the factors and events that motivated Mark to found CCI.
• How CCI has adapted the positive aspects of Silicon Valley to the context of charter cities.
• Lessons from working with multiple stakeholders, including policymakers.
• Generating buy-in at the elite level of policymakers and other powerful constituencies.
• CCI’s goal to build a broader ecosystem that can act as a force multiplier for multiple cities.
• Key successes CCI has experienced over the past two years.
• Takeaways from their conference in Kigali during November 2023.
• Mark’s thoughts on recent news concerning celebrities and charter cities.
• An overview of the development project in Zanzibar and how CCI is contributing to it.
• What CCI is doing to increase the funnel of talent to Zanzibar.
• An outline of what they hope to achieve in Zanzibar over the next 25 years.
• Unpacking viable economic opportunities in Zanzibar and how they can diversify.
• Mark’s new company, Braavos Cities, and the work that they are doing in the Caribbean.
• How they get projects across the finish line in politically challenging environments.
• Advice on engaging with politicians, heads of government, and investors.
• Key insights on Braavos Cities, their goals, and what they are currently working on.
• What developments you should be paying attention to in the charter cities space.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Mark Lutter

Mark Lutter Charter Cities Institute

Mark Lutter on X

Mark Lutter on Medium

Braavos Cities

Jeffrey Mason on LinkedIn