This research examines the significance of higher education institutions (HEIs) as anchors in their host cities and their community engagement strategies between 1980 and 2020. By examining four case studies of urban-based universities that are members of the Coalition of Urban and Metropolitan Universities (CUMU) across diverse geographical and socio-economic contexts, this study analyzes the impact of anchor strategies on local communities, economic development, and urban revitalization. Two public institutions--Rutgers University-Newark (RU-N) and the University of Pretoria Mamelodi Campus (South Africa)--and two private institutions--Syracuse University (S.U.) and the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn)--comprise the four selected case studies of urban-based institutions. A comparative analysis of the case studies reveals that effective anchor strategies frequently involve multidimensional approaches that address the social, economic, and public safety challenges of their respective cities. In addition, the study identifies the key factors contributing to the efficacy of anchor strategies, such as strong leadership, stakeholder collaborations, and maximizing the role of mission and vision. The findings of the study highlight the interplay between universities and their environments rooted in their host cities. This can serve as a model for other universities interested in becoming anchor institutions or otherwise participating in the work of urban serving higher education institutions.