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.
A Tale of Two Cities in the Grips of the Opioid Crisis A Tale of Two Cities in the Grips of the Opioid Crisis
Vancouver and Philadelphia are both facing overdose epidemics—but one city has found a way to keep people alive.
Feb 21, 2019 / Feature / Maia Szalavitz
New York Fights—and Amazon Flees New York Fights—and Amazon Flees
As the HQ2 deal collapses, the question becomes: Can the city can come up with a better model of economic development?
Feb 14, 2019 / Jarrett Murphy
What Rydell High School Can Teach Us about the LA Teachers Strike What Rydell High School Can Teach Us about the LA Teachers Strike
As teachers in Denver and Oakland head toward their own strikes, it’s worth doubling down on the lessons from LA.
Feb 7, 2019 / Feature / Sarah Jaffe
‘This Is Much Bigger Than Us, Than Our Union, Even Than Our City’ ‘This Is Much Bigger Than Us, Than Our Union, Even Than Our City’
How LA’s teachers joined forces with the community and won a landmark labor contract.
Jan 23, 2019 / Sarah Jaffe
‘This Model of Education Is Not Sustainable’ ‘This Model of Education Is Not Sustainable’
Yes, raises are important, but LA’s teachers are striking so their students have a fair shot at an education.
Jan 15, 2019 / Sarah Jaffe
Bill de Blasio, the Happiness Mayor? Bill de Blasio, the Happiness Mayor?
After seeming to retreat from his initial bold vision, New York’s mayor has returned with a plan for comprehensive health care and, yes, happiness.
Jan 10, 2019 / Jarrett Murphy
States Are Cracking Down on the Movement for Palestinian Rights—but Cities Are Pushing Back States Are Cracking Down on the Movement for Palestinian Rights—but Cities Are Pushing Back
From Durham to Northampton, activists are finding ways to end their cities’ support for Israeli human rights abuses.
Dec 21, 2018 / Alex Kane
New York Has a Plan to Tackle Some of Its Worst Carbon Polluters New York Has a Plan to Tackle Some of Its Worst Carbon Polluters
Hint: We’re looking at you, Trump Tower.
Dec 13, 2018 / Sophie Kasakove
These Utah Activists Are Determined to Stop Trump From Stealing Our Public Lands These Utah Activists Are Determined to Stop Trump From Stealing Our Public Lands
A year after Trump shrunk Bears Ears and Grand Staircase–Escalante, Native Americans, green groups, and cities are fighting back.
Dec 4, 2018 / Jimmy Tobias
Election Day Brought Thrilling Victory—and Devastating Defeat—to the Housing Movement Election Day Brought Thrilling Victory—and Devastating Defeat—to the Housing Movement
Activists won some crucial initiatives, but the real-estate industry spent massively to sink others.
Nov 9, 2018 / Jimmy Tobias