Cities Rising

Cities_Rising_imgAs 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.

Obama Hiroshima Wreath

There Are 15,000 Nuclear Weapons Still Posing an Intolerable Threat to Humanity There Are 15,000 Nuclear Weapons Still Posing an Intolerable Threat to Humanity

These mayors are trying to change that.

Jul 8, 2016 / Cities Rising / Mayor Frank Cownie

This Group Pioneered the Fight for $15. Can They Transform the Fight for Affordable Housing Too?

This Group Pioneered the Fight for $15. Can They Transform the Fight for Affordable Housing Too? This Group Pioneered the Fight for $15. Can They Transform the Fight for Affordable Housing Too?

New York Communities for Change wants to remake New York in a more equal image.

Jul 5, 2016 / Cities Rising / Sarah Jaffe

Seattle Drivers Union

A New Law Is Letting Uber Drivers Unionize A New Law Is Letting Uber Drivers Unionize

After ride-hailing companies descended on Seattle and began slashing drivers’ pay, the City Council stepped in with a novel solution.

Jul 1, 2016 / Cities Rising / Mike O’Brien

The Genius of Jane Jacobs, Who Changed the Way We Think About Cities

The Genius of Jane Jacobs, Who Changed the Way We Think About Cities The Genius of Jane Jacobs, Who Changed the Way We Think About Cities

She argued in favor of local wisdom and community visions over the grandiose designs of distant planners.

Jun 8, 2016 / Cities Rising / Roberta Brandes Gratz

Now That San Francisco’s Police Chief Has Resigned, What’s Next for the Activists Who Fought for His Removal?

Now That San Francisco’s Police Chief Has Resigned, What’s Next for the Activists Who Fought for His Removal? Now That San Francisco’s Police Chief Has Resigned, What’s Next for the Activists Who Fought for His Removal?

They say their work is about a lot more than just replacing a police chief.

Jun 7, 2016 / Cities Rising / Andrew Klein

Chattanooga

Chattanooga Was a Typical Postindustrial City. Then It Began Offering Municipal Broadband. Chattanooga Was a Typical Postindustrial City. Then It Began Offering Municipal Broadband.

Chattanooga’s publicly owned Internet service has helped boost its economy and bridge the digital divide.

Jun 3, 2016 / Cities Rising / P.E. Moskowitz

Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney

A Soda Tax Is Fundamentally Regressive. What if It’s Philadelphia’s Best Hope for Progressive Change? A Soda Tax Is Fundamentally Regressive. What if It’s Philadelphia’s Best Hope for Progressive Change?

Philadelphia Mayor James Kenney has proposed taxing sugary beverages to pay for universal pre-kindergarten and other popular initiatives.

May 23, 2016 / Cities Rising / Jake Blumgart

Nick Licata

If Politicians Actually Want to Make Change, They Have to Think Like Organizers If Politicians Actually Want to Make Change, They Have to Think Like Organizers

Seattle Councilmember Nick Licata used his organizer skills to fight inequality from inside City Hall.  Now he’s taking his approach to other cities.

May 19, 2016 / Cities Rising / Josh Cohen

Oakland

The Key to Making Economic Development More Equitable Is Making It More Democratic The Key to Making Economic Development More Equitable Is Making It More Democratic

How Oakland and other cities are experimenting with efforts to make local residents active participants in the development process.

Apr 26, 2016 / Cities Rising / K. Sabeel Rahman

Baltimore Row Houses

Can Neighborhoods Be Revitalized Without Gentrifying Them? Can Neighborhoods Be Revitalized Without Gentrifying Them?

Baltimore’s new housing plan could provide a form of neighborhood uplift that benefits communities, not developers.

Apr 11, 2016 / Cities Rising / Michelle Chen

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