Cities
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Austin
In the yearbook of American cities, Austin, Texas takes home nearly all the superlatives. Aware that it is in the spotlight, the city is taking steps towards conscious, environmentally and socially responsible development while clinging to its eccentric, creative flair. (more) -
Boston
Boston was once, indeed, the Hub of economic and intellectual activity in the young United States. Its current size and influence has been eclipsed by that of nearby New York, but it retains prominence as the economic nerve center of a metro area home to 4.5 million inhabitants—famously proud and provincial ones, at that. (more) -
Buffalo
Buffalo’s struggles have inspired innovation in urban revitalization and sustainability. The passion and ingenuity of local organizers, business owners, artists, preservationists and community members are truly major points of Buffalo pride. (more) -
Chicago
A one-time haven for corruption has transformed into a global city with an affinity for culture, commerce and all things green. (more) -
Cleveland
Though it continues to struggle with vacant land and job losses, Cleveland is an emerging force for bold ideas about urban sustainability. (more) -
Detroit
Detroit’s motto, which translates to “We hope for better things; it shall rise from the ashes,” may be as true today as it was when it was adopted in 1805 after fires left the city in ruin. (more) -
Los Angeles
Associated with sunny beachscapes and lessons in city misplanning, Los Angeles has often been left out of the conversation on urban innovation. Culture and diversity abound, but the core elements that usually define modern cities have long been missing. Luckily, density, public transportation, and vertical housing are on their way back to the City of Angels in a big way. (more) -
New Orleans
A city once known primarily for Mardis Gras and muffalettas, New Orleans is now most closely associated with FEMA, flood and levee failure. But engaged locals and activists nationwide are determined to rebuild sustainably while keeping intact the city’s joie de vivre. (more) -
New York City
Some call it the greatest city in the world; others revile it as a haven of greed and excess. Some come to gawk at the iconic skyscrapers and fashionable denizens; others are intimidated by packed subway cars and the constant assault of horns and lights. Whether you love it or hate it, New York City, America’s largest and densest, is a place of extremes. (more) -
Philadelphia
From its swanky restaurant scene to its World Series-winning baseball team to its mission of becoming the greenest city in the country, Philadelphia is a model of a Rust Belt comeback city. In the current financial crisis, the city’s housing stock and employment pool has remained solid—but the city is still struggling to combat decline. (more) -
Pittsburgh
In the past twenty years, the once-blighted steel hub has become a paragon of urban rebirth: A thriving, trendy city with a fast-forward economy, a bustling downtown and a famously neighborhood-centric ethos. (more) -
San Francisco
A wealthy, well-educated populace, geographical splendor and a reputation for progressivism make this relatively small coastal city a popular destination for tourists—a number of whom decide to stay there permanently. (more) -
Washington D.C.
News stories may use “Washington” to refer to our federal government, and “Capitol Hill” similarly for the United States Congress. But Washington is more than synecdoche. It’s one of the nation’s largest metropolitan areas and also one of its most walkable. It’s a rich source of beautiful, historic neighborhoods and towns. And it’s a transit success story. (more)
