Urban Planning and Development

Brandon Johnson celebrates at podium

The Movement That Made Brandon Johnson Mayor of Chicago The Movement That Made Brandon Johnson Mayor of Chicago

Backed by the powerful Chicago teachers Union, he waged an unapologetically progressive campaign and saw off a “law and order” opponent. Now comes the hard part.

Apr 5, 2023 / Micah Uetricht

The color of money: A new luxury condominium building on Orchard Street on the Lower East Side of New York.

Want to Turn the Pitiless March of Gentrification Into a Parable of Progress? Want to Turn the Pitiless March of Gentrification Into a Parable of Progress?

The New York Times shows just how it's done.

Apr 4, 2023 / Column / Adolph Reed Jr.

Molly Ivins

Reports of the Death of the “Texas Observer” Are Greatly Exaggerated Reports of the Death of the “Texas Observer” Are Greatly Exaggerated

With support from readers, a legendary progressive publication lives to fight another day.

Apr 3, 2023 / Jim Hightower

Single-Stair Layouts Are Not Going to Fix the Housing Crisis

Single-Stair Layouts Are Not Going to Fix the Housing Crisis Single-Stair Layouts Are Not Going to Fix the Housing Crisis

They’re a good idea, but they’re not going to liberate us from capitalism.

Mar 31, 2023 / Kate Wagner

Chicago mayoral candidates Brandon Johnson, left, and Paul Vallas

Chicago’s Election Will Shape the Future of Public Safety in America Chicago’s Election Will Shape the Future of Public Safety in America

Paul Vallas promises that he’ll grow the police force. Brandon Johnson says that to build safety, he’ll “invest in people.” What does that mean, and what are voters choosing betwee...

Mar 31, 2023 / Eric Reinhart

Bicyclists Deserve the Right to Free Movement

Bicyclists Deserve the Right to Free Movement Bicyclists Deserve the Right to Free Movement

US infrastructure is unnecessarily dangerous for bike riders. There’s a better way.

Mar 28, 2023 / Kate Wagner

school workers strike in LA

Why 60,000 Education Workers Walked Off the Job In Los Angeles Why 60,000 Education Workers Walked Off the Job In Los Angeles

This week’s massive jobs action also represents a model for building worker power.

Mar 24, 2023 / Alex Caputo-Pearl

Tents sit on a grassy field under palm trees

The Cost of Housing in America Has Become Untenable The Cost of Housing in America Has Become Untenable

A permanent cohort of people without housing has come to seem like a natural part of American life.

Mar 22, 2023 / Rebecca Gordon

A draughtsman, circa 1940.

What’s the Matter With Contemporary Architecture? What’s the Matter With Contemporary Architecture?

In his new book, Reinier de Graaf attempts to work out why his profession appears to be at an impasse.

Mar 22, 2023 / Books & the Arts / Marianela D’Aprile

We Cannot Countenance Windowless Bedrooms

We Cannot Countenance Windowless Bedrooms We Cannot Countenance Windowless Bedrooms

Sunlight is not an amenity; it’s a basic human necessity.

Mar 21, 2023 / Kate Wagner

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