Cities - Articles

Social innovations that improve the health and resiliency of cities (more)

Dan Burden - Environmental Sustainability in Walking Cities

Dan Burden has studied and defined what makes for a pedestrian-friendly community. Even more important, he knows why such places are so valuable for everyone—walkers and drivers alike. In this audio lecture, Burden discusses why walkability is crucial to the sustainability of communities, and what they can do to encourage it.

Tim Williamson - Fostering Entrepreneurship in New Orleans

The Idea Village was launched in New Orleans by "five guys who wanted to change the world." The more modest goal of these entrepreneurs was to revitalize the city economically—a mission that became especially important when Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005. In this audio lecture, sponsored by the Stanford Center for Social Innovation, Tim Williamson shares how his nonprofit has been helping rebuild the devastated city economically, and the progress inspired through a powerful network of talented individuals.

Gavin Newsom - Say What You Think, Then Take Action

San Francisco's young and charismatic mayor, Gavin Newsom, has suffered his share of punches for taking bold positions on controversial issues. In this Stanford Center for Social Innovation sponsored audio lecture, Newsom tells of the courage and persistence it takes to make real social change as a leader. He outlines progressive reforms in areas such as education, health care, and business, and reflects on the personal and professional price paid for supporting one particularly contentious issue: gay marriage.

Majora Carter - Sustainability and Environmental Justice

In this audio lecture, Majora Carter talks about sustainability and environmental justice. Tracing the development of the South Bronx Greenway, Carter discusses community involvement within a neglected area that generates jobs, strengthens people's community spirit, and creates sustainable industries to meet the future ecological vision for New York City.

Amory Lovins - Energy Efficiency in Buildings - Part 2

Well-designed buildings not only conserve energy and reduce costs but also create conditions for better health and wellness. In this audio lecture, Amory Lovins uses several examples to show how the right mix of materials, resources, and expertise can create structures that celebrate living.

Amory Lovins - Energy Efficient Design For Buildings - Part 1

Buildings represent an ideal opportunity for reducing energy use through clever design. In this audio lecture, Amory Lovins explores the many possibilities that building design offers us to "think outside of the box" in order to save energy. He shares numerous examples of effective design and even a few cases where smart energy design actually costs less to build, not more.

Review: Random Family

Review By Anitra Lynn Waller

Waller offers an intimate exposé of crime and drugs in the inner city.

15 Minutes with Kevin Johnson - Thumbnail

15 Minutes with Kevin Johnson

By James A. Phills, Jr. 3

SSIR Academic Editor Jim Phills sat down with former NBA superstar Kevin Johnson to discuss how he's revitalizing his old inner-city neighborhood.