At Next City, we publish journalism on solutions that are working right now. And we hope that our journalism inspires you to ask, “what if we did this again, somewhere else?” What if we made public transit free? What if what worked in Kansas City worked in Miami? What if we gave people childcare so they could come to city meetings — what if what worked in Pittsburgh worked in Ithaca, too?
Sometimes the best ideas come from one person, asking what if.
So earlier this month, in Philadelphia, we gathered friends, readers and supporters together to celebrate another year of Next City, and to release our 19 Solutions of 2019 print magazine. And we asked them: What’s your “what if”? Here, see some proposed solutions for cities in 2020 from you, our readers.
(Photo by Jay Kan)
“I would like to see more green affordable housing and equitable development.” –Bethel Kibebe
(Photo by Jay Kan)
“People parks (no car islands)!” – Andrew Hankermeyer
(Photo by Jay Kan)
“I would bring the British planning tool ‘asset of community value’ to Philadelphia. It’s a preservation of community values: a pub or corner store—perhaps a church.” –Dane Wells
(Photo by Jay Kan)
“Plastic-single use ban with a good, eco-friendly alternative.” –Christopher Blankenship
(Photo by Jay Kan)
“All abandoned lots become community garden spaces that help feed their neighborhoods and generate jobs for their communities.” –Julie Christie
(Photo by Jay Kan)
“Identify a way to implement affordable microhousing options for those in need.” –Andre Natta
(Photo by Jay Kan)
“Black women here in Philly are 70% of our yearly evictions! I would demand that Philly Housing Authority vacant properties be repurposed and created into the affordable (income based) properties they should be!!” –Judith Robinson
(Photo by Jay Kan)
“Park in a Truck - helping communities turn open and available lots into locally designed, built and maintained green space.” –Drew Harris
(Photo by Jay Kan)
“Measure success of programs and initiatives by family and community response and feedback, rather than solely pre-determined metrics.” –Julia Reeves
(Photo by Jay Kan)
“Supporting better access to multiyear funding to engage residents and implement comprehensive change in our most challenged neighborhoods.” –Lauren Mikus
(Photo by Jay Kan)
“More engagement and local support, and develop community leadership!” –Stephanie Michel
(Photo by Jay Kan)
“Elevate all community members.” –Evan Herzog
Thank you for a great 2019. In 2020, we’ll continue to bring you impactful journalism about your communities, and about the people turning those “What ifs” into action.