As the gears of federal government have ground to a halt, a new energy has been rocking the foundations of our urban centers. From Atlanta to Seattle and points in between, cities have begun seizing the initiative, transforming themselves into laboratories for progressive innovation. Income inequality, affordable housing, climate change, sustainable development, public health, participatory government—cities are tackling them all, bringing new urgency to some of the most vital questions of the day. Welcome to the age of big city progressivism! Cities Rising is The Nation’s contribution to the conversation.
Can a Push for ‘Good Jobs’ Solve New York City’s Affordability Crisis? Can a Push for ‘Good Jobs’ Solve New York City’s Affordability Crisis?
To fight inequality, New York City’s mayor vows to create 100,000 jobs paying more than $50,000 a year.
Feb 14, 2017 / Jarrett Murphy
This Bay Area Proposal Would Strike a Huge Blow to the Dirtiest Forms of Oil Production This Bay Area Proposal Would Strike a Huge Blow to the Dirtiest Forms of Oil Production
A proposed emissions cap would prevent the area’s refineries from converting dirtier-burning oils into fuel. Will it pass?
Jan 31, 2017 / Will Parrish
In the Age of Trump, Cities Will Lead the Way Toward Increased Economic Opportunity In the Age of Trump, Cities Will Lead the Way Toward Increased Economic Opportunity
Five steps New York City has taken to fight inequality and encourage more equitable growth.
Jan 30, 2017 / Brad Lander and Maria Torres-Springer
As Trump Plans an Immigration Crackdown, South Asians Band Together in Brooklyn As Trump Plans an Immigration Crackdown, South Asians Band Together in Brooklyn
Residents of Kensington are forming a grassroots network to respond to any threats against vulnerable members of the community.
Jan 26, 2017 / Jay Cassano
These Cities Are at the Forefront of the Next Big Labor Struggle: the Fight for a Fair Workweek These Cities Are at the Forefront of the Next Big Labor Struggle: the Fight for a Fair Workweek
Emeryville, California, is a tiny municipality surrounded by Oakland and San Francisco. Its population hovers under 12,000, yet the city has four shopping centers, making it, in es…
Jan 23, 2017 / P.E. Moskowitz
In the Age of Donald Trump, the Resistance Will Be Localized In the Age of Donald Trump, the Resistance Will Be Localized
How cities can counter the power of President Trump.
Jan 18, 2017 / Feature / Benjamin Barber
Cities Have the Power to Finally Bridge MLK’s ‘Two Americas’ Cities Have the Power to Finally Bridge MLK’s ‘Two Americas’
The solutions to the enduring problem of economic inequality will have to come from the ground up in our cities, not from Washington, DC, down.
Jan 16, 2017 / Ras J. Baraka and Ryan P. Haygood
Can New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio Be the Anti-Trump? Can New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio Be the Anti-Trump?
To succeed he’ll have to overcome controversy and the limits of his office.
Jan 5, 2017 / Feature / Jarrett Murphy
This Is How We Can Tackle Climate Change, Even With a Denier in Chief This Is How We Can Tackle Climate Change, Even With a Denier in Chief
Cities and states can step up their efforts to tackle global warming—with or without federal leadership.
Dec 12, 2016 / Laurie Mazur
This City Just Came Up With a Novel Way to Fight Inequality: Taxing Corporations With Extreme Pay Gaps This City Just Came Up With a Novel Way to Fight Inequality: Taxing Corporations With Extreme Pay Gaps
Portland, Oregon, has just adopted the first tax penalty on corporations that pay their CEOs more than 100 times what they pay typical workers.
Dec 8, 2016 / Sarah Anderson