City Leadership

Final Knight Cities Challenge to leave lasting legacy of urban innovation

The challenge “activated local networks of innovators who are showing early staying power,” the Knight Foundation says at it winds down the contest.

David Hatch June 12, 2017

Year in Review

Ten storylines that shaped the global urban debate in 2016

Unpacking the themes of an eventful year.

Christopher Swope and Carey L. Biron and Gregory Scruggs December 23, 2016

Economic Development

Toronto wants to see more startup companies run by women

The mayor’s newly appointed Advocate for the Innovation Economy cites gender diversity for startups as a top priority, Toronto Metro reports.

December 22, 2016

City Leadership

‘We managed to kick off a paradigm shift in São Paulo,’ mayor says on leaving office

An exit interview with Fernando Haddad.

Gregory Scruggs December 21, 2016

Climate Change

Climate-friendly cities pledge solidarity with U.S. mayors ahead of Trump presidency

‘The recent U.S. election makes clear that you — America’s leading cities — are even more essential to accelerating climate action in the United States,’ five mayors wrote.

Gregory Scruggs December 16, 2016

Municipal Finance

Canadian mayors plead for greater fiscal autonomy

Gregory Scruggs December 15, 2016

Citisignal

Toronto seeks Tel Aviv’s advice on startup culture

A delegation led by Mayor John Tory visited Tel Aviv and Ramallah to learn about fostering a startup culture, according to the City of Toronto.

December 1, 2016

Migration

How Nashville is training a new generation of local leaders from its immigrant communities

Nashville's MyCity Academy takes the long view on building connections, trust, and leadership among New Americans.

Christopher Swope November 22, 2016

Interview

‘It’s through local government that you can get big shifts,’ says U.N. point person on sustainable development

Where does the United Nations see mayors fitting into the new implementation discussion on climate and sustainable cities? An interview with David Nabarro, the secretary-general’s special adviser on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Gregory Scruggs November 15, 2016

Citisignal

Singapore is first municipality to adopt Facebook Workplace

The social network for internal office communication is expected to cut down on email among government employees, GovInsider says.

November 11, 2016

Citisignal

Urban gardens to bloom under Parisian law

The city will provide soil and seeds to gardeners who are encouraged to grow vegetation wherever they can, Inhabitat reports.

November 1, 2016

Citisignal

Addis studies successes, challenges of India’s BRT

A delegation from Ethiopia’s capital visited Ahmedabad, Indore and Bhopal for tips on launching express bus service, WRI India reports.

October 26, 2016

Citisignal

Baltimore, Mexico City honored for urban food policies

The inaugural Milan Pact Awards recognized eight cities on five continents for efforts to address inequity with access to nourishing food.

October 25, 2016

Interview

Carmena, Colau: Madre e hija de la política española municipal

Ada Colau, Alcaldesa de Barcelona, y Manuela Carmena, Alcaldesa de Madrid, llegaron al poder el año pasado en medio de una ola de descontento popular, a causa de la crisis inmobiliaria y financiera en España.

Gregory Scruggs October 19, 2016

Interview

Carmena, Colau: Mother and daughter of Spanish municipal politics

Barcelona Mayor Ada Colau and Madrid Mayor Manuela Carmena rode to power last year on a wave of popular discontent over Spain’s real-estate-driven financial crisis.

Gregory Scruggs October 19, 2016

Awards

UN-Habitat’s Joan Clos and architect PK Das honored with Jane Jacobs Medal

Gregory Scruggs October 18, 2016

Interview

Conoce a Augusto Barrera, el primer hombre que pensaba en traer Hábitat III a Quito

Como la conferencia de la ONU sobre la urbanización finalmente empieza, ¿que quiere el ex-alcalde que el mundo sepa sobre su ciudad?

Gregory Scruggs October 18, 2016

Interview

Meet Augusto Barrera, the man who first thought to bring Habitat III to Quito

As the U.N.’s urbanization jamboree finally kicks off, what does the former mayor want the world to know about his city?

Gregory Scruggs October 18, 2016

A Global Role for Cities

Mayors warn sustainable cities are impossible without their direct input

On the eve of Habitat III, officials from 500 cities release two new visions of a deeper international role for local authorities.

Gregory Scruggs and Neal Peirce October 16, 2016

Interview

El alcalde quiere demostrar que Quito es una ciudad de innovación urbana y solidaridad

Como Hábitat III llega a su ciudad, una conversación con el alcalde de Quito, Mauricio Rodas.

Gregory Scruggs October 16, 2016

Interview

Quito Mayor Mauricio Rodas wants to show off a city of urban innovation and solidarity

As Habitat III rolls into his city, Rodas tells Citiscope his hopes for the conference’s legacy for Quito.

Gregory Scruggs October 16, 2016