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.
How Progressives Can Make Change on Election Day—No Matter What Happens With Congress How Progressives Can Make Change on Election Day—No Matter What Happens With Congress
Thirteen ballot initiatives that could raise wages, ban fracking, protect immigrants, and house the homeless.
Nov 5, 2018 / Simon Davis-Cohen
Can a Group of Scrappy Young Activists Build Real Progressive Power in Trump Country? Can a Group of Scrappy Young Activists Build Real Progressive Power in Trump Country?
Through a mix of “inclusive populism” and nonstop organizing, Lancaster Stands Up is betting it can reclaim its corner of Pennsylvania.
Oct 18, 2018 / Feature / Jimmy Tobias
Amsterdam Is Fighting for Its Soul. Can a Progressive New Government Save It? Amsterdam Is Fighting for Its Soul. Can a Progressive New Government Save It?
The new city government has big ambitions—but the challenges could prove even bigger.
Oct 2, 2018 / Sebastiaan Faber
Mass Surveillance Begins at the Local Level. So Does the Resistance to It. Mass Surveillance Begins at the Local Level. So Does the Resistance to It.
Grassroots groups are leading the pushback against government spying.
Sep 27, 2018 / Andrew Tan-Delli Cicchi
Fighting for $15 in the Twin Cities Fighting for $15 in the Twin Cities
Minneapolis recently enacted a minimum-wage bump—will St. Paul be next?
Sep 18, 2018 / Michelle Chen
Can Cities Pave the Way Toward a Universal Basic Income? Can Cities Pave the Way Toward a Universal Basic Income?
As places like Stockton and Chicago begin to experiment with UBI pilot programs, the idea is finally moving from theory to practice.
Aug 31, 2018 / Sophie Kasakove
New York City Has ‘a Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity’ to Create an Internet for All New York City Has ‘a Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity’ to Create an Internet for All
“Dead skunks on the highway” are more popular than cable companies, so why not replace them with something better?
Aug 20, 2018 / Teke Wiggin
These Tenants Are Leading the Largest Rent Strike in LA History These Tenants Are Leading the Largest Rent Strike in LA History
Residents of three buildings in Central Los Angeles are refusing to pay rent until their landlord agrees to fair rent increases.
Aug 20, 2018 / Armando Aparicio and David Zlutnick
These Democratic Socialists Aren’t Just Targeting Incumbent Politicians These Democratic Socialists Aren’t Just Targeting Incumbent Politicians
They’re going after slumlords and real-estate speculators.
Aug 10, 2018 / Jimmy Tobias
New York City Has a Rare Chance to Kick Big Money Out of Politics New York City Has a Rare Chance to Kick Big Money Out of Politics
Here’s how the city can limit the power of big donors—and bring real influence back to regular voters.
Jul 27, 2018 / Heather McGhee and Daniel Cantor