Grogan, who arrived at Harvard in January, has spent much of his career addressing affordable housing and community development.
According to Grogan, Rudenstine approached him "very early" in his time at Harvard to discuss possible ways to enhance Harvard's role in the community.
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"He wanted an expanded, more engaged relationship," Grogan said.
But beyond Rudenstine's initial push, Grogan said he was free to develop his own ideas. Much of the work was done over the summer, and by mid-September Grogan had a concrete proposal.
"We had the ball to come up with it, and we proposed it to the Corporation and the president," he said. "It's a concerted effort to do more."