Kate Graham

Dr. Kate Graham studies, teaches and writes about politics in Canada. She holds a PhD in Political Science from Western University, and teaches in the Political Science Departments at Western University, Brescia University College and King’s University College. Kate has more than a decade of experience working in local government, most recently as the Director, Community & Economic Innovation at the City of London. She is an engaged community member and volunteer, and was named one of London’s Top 20 Under 40 in 2015.

Kate Graham researches, writes, speaks, and teaches about politics in Canada's cities. At this point, it's bordering on obsession.

Kate completed a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Political Science at Western University, with a focus on local government, urban politics, public policy and city competitiveness. Kate’s PhD dissertation, Leading Canada’s Cities: A Study of Urban Mayors (affectionately known as “The Mayors Project”), examines the role and power of urban mayors.

Kate teaches in the Political Science Departments at Western University, Brescia University College and King's University College. She is a Fellow at the Centre for Urban Policy and Local Governance at Western University, and works with people and organizations who share her passion for strengthening the leadership of Canada's communities.

Kate is also currently a Senior Fellow at Canada 2020, Canada's leading independent progressive think tank.

Before transitioning to academia, Kate has spent a decade working in local government, most recently as the Director, Community & Economic Innovation at the City of London where she was responsible for the City’s government relations, strategic initiatives, culture and economic partnerships portfolios.

Kate is an active community member, including serving as Chair of the Pillar Nonprofit Network Board and on the Board of ReForest London. In 2015, she was named one of London’s Top 20 Under 40. Kate has also dabbled in politics herself, including running as a candidate in the 2018 provincial election in Ontario.