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 Big Oil Retake Richmond, California? Can Big Oil Retake Richmond, California?
In 2008, progressives won control of City Hall. Now, as elections loom, Chevron wants to take it back.
May 21, 2014 / Feature / Steve Early
#FastFoodGlobal: How the International Struggle Against McDonald’s Could Bring a $15 Minimum Wage to New York City #FastFoodGlobal: How the International Struggle Against McDonald’s Could Bring a $15 Minimum Wage to New York City
A year ago, many might have laughed at the idea of paying the plebe behind the counter $15 an hour. But now that workers have raised their voices, a living wage seems like a deeply...
May 9, 2014 / Michelle Chen
100 Days Into Bill de Blasio’s First Term, New York’s Most Powerful Progressive Is Taking Big Swipes at Inequality 100 Days Into Bill de Blasio’s First Term, New York’s Most Powerful Progressive Is Taking Big Swipes at Inequality
The bad news? The forces of opposition may be just as strong as he is.
Apr 15, 2014 / Feature / Jarrett Murphy
What If the Minimum Wage Were $15 an Hour? What If the Minimum Wage Were $15 an Hour?
Inside the movement that’s pushing to make a living wage a reality in Seattle.
Apr 8, 2014 / Feature / Sasha Abramsky
The Rise of the Progressive City The Rise of the Progressive City
With liberal hopes dashed in Washington, political energy is gathering in cities, where social change is actually possible.
Apr 2, 2014 / Feature / Michelle Goldberg
LA City Council Tells Big Oil To Frack Off LA City Council Tells Big Oil To Frack Off
As residents complain of nosebleeds and headaches, the country’s biggest oil-producing city moves to ban hydraulic fracturing.
Mar 27, 2014 / Simon Davis-Cohen