Longtime Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson is heading to Harvard University to speak to a group of new mayors.

Abramson, who is not running for re-election next year, will participate in several panel discussions focusing on transition and leadership. It's part of a seminar at the Kennedy School of Government's Institute of Politics at Harvard.

Abramson says he wants to offer advice to ease the new officeholders' transitions.

Gov. Steve Beshear named Abramson his running mate in July for the 2011 governor's race.

Abramson, in his fifth term, is the longest serving mayor in Louisville history.