Urban Issues

The Spectre of Communism Haunts the West — Mamdani is Only the Beginning

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The surprisingly easy election of the Marxist Zohran Mamdani represents a critical turning point, not only for my hometown of New York, but for all the West.  read more »

Disneyland at 70: A Civic Vision Worth Remembering

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Disneyland’s founding vision 70 years ago was civic, not commercial—a place where design made family belonging feel natural.  read more »

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For Most Commuters: Cars the Only Viable Choice

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For some years, the University of Minnesota’s Accessibility Observatory has produced major metropolitan area (labor markets) job access estimates for the average worker  read more »

Chicago's Unbalanced Growth — And What It Teaches Us

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A report came out from Crains Chicago Business (paywalled) that spoke to the uneven nature of development in Chicago.  read more »

California was an 'Earthly Paradise' for Jews. Is it Still?

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California, described by one observer in the late 19th century as “the Jews’ earthly paradise” for the economic and social promise it held  read more »

Mamdani Heralds the Radical American City

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The greatest threat to the United States is self-created and centered in urban areas.  read more »

Zohran Mamdani's Rise is Fueled by Generational Resentment

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The likely election of Zohran Mamdani as New York City’s next mayor reflects a profound shift in generational politics.  read more »

The "Don't Go" Narrative and Its Enduring Impact on Communities

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Yesterday I became aware of some fantastic news. Tonika Lewis Johnson, a photographer and community activist in Chicago, was named  read more »

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New York's Jews Fear a Mamdani Win

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For generations, the Harmonie Club has served as a haven for New York’s Jewish elites. Founded in 1852, the club has since 1905 occupied an elegant eight-story building at 4 East 60th Street  read more »

The Rise of the Artisan Economy

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Developer Shaheen Sadeghi’s vision of an artisanal, small-business-driven economy seems oddly incompatible with his environment.  read more »