Enrique Penalosa holds a bachelor degree in Economics and History from Duke University and Masters and Doctorate degrees in Management and Public Administration from the Institute International D'Administration Publique and the University of Paris II in Paris. He is fluent in English and French.
During his tenure as mayor of Bogotá Peñalosa led massive efforts related to transportation, land use and housing for the poor, pollution abatement, and the critical need for public spaces.