Urban Planning and Development

National Guard patrol at a subway station in New York on March 6, 2024.

Why Are Armed Troops in NYC Subways? Why Are Armed Troops in NYC Subways?

Kathy Hochul made a grave miscalculation by further militarizing a city she doesn’t live in or understand.

Mar 14, 2024 / Ross Barkan

The Tragedy and Tenacity of Public Housing in America

The Tragedy and Tenacity of Public Housing in America The Tragedy and Tenacity of Public Housing in America

A cartoon report on the only policy proven to actually address the housing shortage—and how racism, inept management, and systematic disinvestment led to long-term decline.

Mar 18, 2024 / Feature / Eric Orner

What Happened to the 21st-Century City?

What Happened to the 21st-Century City? What Happened to the 21st-Century City?

And how we can save it.

Mar 12, 2024 / Books & the Arts / Kate Wagner

Representative Jamaal Bowman celebrates the return of Co-op City in the Bronx to his district.

New York's Long Congressional Redistricting Nightmare Finally Comes to an End New York's Long Congressional Redistricting Nightmare Finally Comes to an End

Liberals and leftists hoping for a sure path to retaking the House may be disappointed, but Democrats should still do well. And voters and incumbents each gain valuable clarity.

Mar 4, 2024 / Ross Barkan

Flaco, a Eurasian eagle-owl that escaped from the Central Park Zoo, on February 15, 2023.

Finding and Losing Flaco, the Owl That Got Free Finding and Losing Flaco, the Owl That Got Free

There may never be another Flaco, but there will be other birds in the city to love. May we take better care of them.

Feb 24, 2024 / Joan Walsh

Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam

Hydropower Won’t Stop the Climate Crisis—It Might Make It Worse Hydropower Won’t Stop the Climate Crisis—It Might Make It Worse

The dispute over Ethiopia’s enormous dam should be a warning of what the future holds on a hotter, drier planet.

Feb 21, 2024 / Joshua Frank

Urban Surveillance Is More Menacing Than Ever

Urban Surveillance Is More Menacing Than Ever Urban Surveillance Is More Menacing Than Ever

Cameras aren’t just monitoring us in public—now they’re actually yelling at us.

Feb 16, 2024 / Column / Kate Wagner

LA’s Corporate Class Wants to Reverse Progressive Gains

LA’s Corporate Class Wants to Reverse Progressive Gains LA’s Corporate Class Wants to Reverse Progressive Gains

The LA left’s newfound electoral muscle has transformed the city into one of the most renter-friendly in the country. Business and real estate interests are fighting back.

Feb 12, 2024 / Feature / Mike Bonin and Peter Dreier

A drone view of the former stage at People's Park in Berkeley, California.

Should People’s Park Be Consigned to the Ash Heap of History? Should People’s Park Be Consigned to the Ash Heap of History?

Many argue that after five decades of resisting the University of California’s repeated attempts to reclaim the park, it’s time to let go of the past and move on. We disagree.

Jan 31, 2024 / Steve Wasserman, Paul Glusman, Judy Gumbo Albert, and Tom Dalzell

Signage outside an Amazon Go store

How Students in Seattle Got More School Counselors—Paid for by the City’s Wealthiest Corporations How Students in Seattle Got More School Counselors—Paid for by the City’s Wealthiest Corporations

Local politicians said it couldn't be done. The Seattle Times said it shouldn't be done. The students stuck to their demands and proved them wrong.

Jan 19, 2024 / Natalya McConnell

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