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.
There Are 15,000 Nuclear Weapons Still Posing an Intolerable Threat to Humanity There Are 15,000 Nuclear Weapons Still Posing an Intolerable Threat to Humanity
These mayors are trying to change that.
Jul 8, 2016 / Mayor Frank Cownie
This Group Pioneered the Fight for $15. Can They Transform the Fight for Affordable Housing Too? This Group Pioneered the Fight for $15. Can They Transform the Fight for Affordable Housing Too?
New York Communities for Change wants to remake New York in a more equal image.
Jul 5, 2016 / Feature / Sarah Jaffe
A New Law Is Letting Uber Drivers Unionize A New Law Is Letting Uber Drivers Unionize
After ride-hailing companies descended on Seattle and began slashing drivers’ pay, the City Council stepped in with a novel solution.
Jul 1, 2016 / Mike O’Brien
The Genius of Jane Jacobs, Who Changed the Way We Think About Cities The Genius of Jane Jacobs, Who Changed the Way We Think About Cities
She argued in favor of local wisdom and community visions over the grandiose designs of distant planners.
Jun 8, 2016 / Feature / Roberta Brandes Gratz
Now That San Francisco’s Police Chief Has Resigned, What’s Next for the Activists Who Fought for His Removal? Now That San Francisco’s Police Chief Has Resigned, What’s Next for the Activists Who Fought for His Removal?
They say their work is about a lot more than just replacing a police chief.
Jun 7, 2016 / Andrew Klein
Chattanooga Was a Typical Postindustrial City. Then It Began Offering Municipal Broadband. Chattanooga Was a Typical Postindustrial City. Then It Began Offering Municipal Broadband.
Chattanooga’s publicly owned Internet service has helped boost its economy and bridge the digital divide.
Jun 3, 2016 / P.E. Moskowitz
A Soda Tax Is Fundamentally Regressive. What if It’s Philadelphia’s Best Hope for Progressive Change? A Soda Tax Is Fundamentally Regressive. What if It’s Philadelphia’s Best Hope for Progressive Change?
Philadelphia Mayor James Kenney has proposed taxing sugary beverages to pay for universal pre-kindergarten and other popular initiatives.
May 23, 2016 / Jake Blumgart
If Politicians Actually Want to Make Change, They Have to Think Like Organizers If Politicians Actually Want to Make Change, They Have to Think Like Organizers
Seattle Councilmember Nick Licata used his organizer skills to fight inequality from inside City Hall. Now he’s taking his approach to other cities.
May 19, 2016 / Josh Cohen
The Key to Making Economic Development More Equitable Is Making It More Democratic The Key to Making Economic Development More Equitable Is Making It More Democratic
How Oakland and other cities are experimenting with efforts to make local residents active participants in the development process.
Apr 26, 2016 / K. Sabeel Rahman
Can Neighborhoods Be Revitalized Without Gentrifying Them? Can Neighborhoods Be Revitalized Without Gentrifying Them?
Baltimore’s new housing plan could provide a form of neighborhood uplift that benefits communities, not developers.
Apr 11, 2016 / Michelle Chen