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.
We Are Winning the Fight for $15 We Are Winning the Fight for $15
What started with 200 workers striking in New York has ballooned into a national movement wielding real political power.
Apr 6, 2016 / Michelle Chen
Congrats on That New Citywide Minimum Wage. Now Republicans Are Going to Try to Kill It. Congrats on That New Citywide Minimum Wage. Now Republicans Are Going to Try to Kill It.
As cities throughout the country pass minimum-wage raises, GOP state legislators have a little plan to undo them.
Feb 22, 2016 / Spencer Woodman
Broadband City: How New York Is Bridging Its Digital Divide Broadband City: How New York Is Bridging Its Digital Divide
After two years in office, the de Blasio administration has made bold moves to make the Internet accessible for all New Yorkers.
Jan 8, 2016 / Maya Wiley
This Is What $15 an Hour Looks Like This Is What $15 an Hour Looks Like
In July, Emeryville, California, passed the highest city-wide minimum wage in the country. Here’s how workers’ lives changed—and didn’t.
Jan 7, 2016 / Feature / Gabriel Thompson
Bill de Blasio Is New York’s Most Progressive Mayor in Decades—Is That Enough? Bill de Blasio Is New York’s Most Progressive Mayor in Decades—Is That Enough?
As opposition mounts, the solution to de Blasio’s problems might lie in even bigger, bolder interventions.
Jan 6, 2016 / Feature / Jarrett Murphy
How to Build the Movement for Progressive Power, the Urban Way How to Build the Movement for Progressive Power, the Urban Way
Four local politicians share their ideas for humanizing the “gig economy,” reforming the police, protecting immigrant rights, and solving the municipal budget crisis.
Oct 27, 2015 / John Avalos, Brad Lander, Antonio Reynoso, and Scott Waguespack
Detroit Is Ground Zero in the New Fight for Water Rights Detroit Is Ground Zero in the New Fight for Water Rights
As many as 25,000 families are at risk of having their water shut off. These activists are fighting back.
Jul 15, 2015 / Feature / Laura Gottesdiener
Can Kshama Sawant Build an Actual Socialist City in America? Can Kshama Sawant Build an Actual Socialist City in America?
First, she'll have to win rent control.
Jun 17, 2015 / Feature / Sarah Jaffe
‘Jimmy From the Block’ Just Beat the Billionaires ‘Jimmy From the Block’ Just Beat the Billionaires
Nominated for mayor of Philadelphia, a progressive teaches a lesson about coalition politics.
May 20, 2015 / John Nichols
Chicago’s Chuy Garcia Lost an Election, but Won a Movement Chicago’s Chuy Garcia Lost an Election, but Won a Movement
A challenge to Rahm Emanuel and corporate Democrats sows the seeds of a new urban populism.
Apr 8, 2015 / John Nichols