Policy

Documentary filmmaker Ian Cheney talks to us about light pollution, the disappearance of the night sky and what we can do to reconnect our city to the stars.

Alexandra Woolsey Puffer and Jeff Maki share the results of a high school student team’s investigation into transit planning and the westward expansion of the 7 line.

Thaddeus Pawlowski reflects on his participation in a recent professional urban design exchange between São Paulo and New York.

David Giles discusses the findings and implications of a recently launched report on the economic impact and potential of the architecture and design sectors in New York City.

In advance of our field trip to one of NYC’s privately-owned public spaces, we talk to Raquel Ramati about plaza bonuses, street life and the legacy of DCP’s Urban Design Group.

Jana Leo, the author of Rape New York, a candid account of sexual assault, discusses how the ordeal changed her perspective on property neglect, systemic gaps and neighborhood transition.

Nevin Cohen shares the process of developing a citywide plan for urban agriculture and talks about its promise as both social justice movement and model for community development.

Carol Coletta and Jake Barton discuss an interactive project that seeks to reinvent public participation in America for the 21st century.

Tamara Greenfield and Caron Atlas share thoughts on how understanding NOCDs can help inform a more holistic approach to cultural policy.

Xenophobia. Unfunded entitlements. Anti-immigrant zeal. More retirees than workers. Crumbling infrastructure. Failing schools. Threats to burn books. Taken together, our national ailments have shaken my belief in a Country of Cities. I have argued on these pages that density and infrastructure, and the diverse ecology they engender, can lead us out of this recession to a greener, leaner nation...