What it looks like for a small town to become an EcoDistrict
EcoDistricts are a hyper-local model of urban planning focused on equity and environmental justice. The certification process can take years, and it's not always obvious what's changed.
Government / Infrastructure
Infrastructure
What power do US mayors really have?
Author and legal scholar Richard Schragger says the US's big-city mayors focus on policies far outside their control and lose sight of the ways they can actually effect change.
Using public space to support democracy
Outdoor phone-banking and voting booths are helping to foster civic engagement as US cities adapt to a Covid-19 election season.
Houston’s bid for park equity
The city often ranks among the top ten most unequal metro areas in the US, but since 2012, it has been building one of the most extensive – and equitable – networks of parks and greenways in the country.
Kolkata’s cycling ban is overturned – at least for now
Pre-pandemic, cycling was banned on 22 streets, including a majority of the city's main thoroughfares. Today, citizens are taking it up in droves.
A Dublin student aims to make Temple Bar more accessible for wheelchair users
This young activist believes that historic preservation shouldn't get in the way of making cities safer.
A Singaporean firm has become the go-to master planner for African cities
Surbana Jurong has signed contracts to do city master plans in ten African countries. Why is the continent relying on outside firms to map its future?
This time could be different: Governments have alternatives to austerity
State and local officials in the US are faced with a lot of bad options, but they don't have to cut jobs and services.
Young Americans see local government as the future of democracy
Frustrated by the status quo, more and more young people are running for local government, where they believe they can effect progressive change.
Capitals are increasingly at risk. Are backup cities the answer?
A Philippines city prepared for natural-disaster-prone Manila aims to succeed where Japan has failed.
Rethinking coastal restoration
Rebuilding dunes with genetically distinct local beach grass can help mitigate the worsening effects of climate change.
