An Innovative Library in Oregon, and Other Reports from the Road
by James Fallows
Kicking off reports from the inland northwest, plus Happy Birthday to James Baldwin (Read it here.)
Category Archives: Civic Life
The New New York Public Library
The New New York Public Library
by Deborah Fallows
Preserving tradition while expanding offerings for a bigger, broader audience. (Read it here.)
American Futures Updates, from Mississippi to Arizona to California
American Futures Updates, from Mississippi to Arizona to California
by James Fallows
NPR conveys the sound of an innovative school in Mississippi, plus other news from the road (Read it here.)
Post-Memorial Day Note: Another Kind of Service, in San Bernardino
Post-Memorial Day Note: Another Kind of Service, in San Bernardino
by James Fallows
“I don’t just sit around. I don’t sleep much. That’s what I do. I do stuff.” The story of a man determined to do something for his town. (Read it here.)
Isabella Greenway, Pioneering American Woman
Isabella Greenway, Pioneering American Woman
by Deborah Fallows
The first Arizonan congresswoman, a lifelong friend of Eleanor Roosevelt, lived a remarkable life. (Read it here.)
Today a Bankrupt City Votes on Its Next Steps
Today a Bankrupt City Votes on Its Next Steps
by James Fallows
“We’ve gotten used to gridlock and stalemate at the national level. This is what it looks like for a city.” What civic dysfunction has in common with excessive CEO pay, and why it matters. (Read it here.)
The Battle for Downtown, From Canada to the Carolinas
The Battle for Downtown, From Canada to the Carolinas
by James Fallows
“It is strange, but true.” What one reader says about Raleigh, North Carolina, applies many other places as well. (Read it here.)
What It’s Like When Your City Goes Broke
What It’s Like When Your City Goes Broke
by James Fallows
San Bernardino, California, is poor, and has a high unemployment rate, and is affected by drought, and is in bankruptcy court. But its real problem is something else. (Read it here.)
An Incredible Time-Capsule View of One Downtown’s Development
An Incredible Time-Capsule View of One Downtown’s Development
by James Fallows
Can tearing up a noted artistic zone be a path to civic success? City leaders say yes, while some of their citizens say no. (Read it here.)
Cars, Pedestrians, and the Struggle for the Future of Downtowns
Cars, Pedestrians, and the Struggle for the Future of Downtowns
by James Fallows
Plus: how much is any discussion of “downtown” a coded talk about race? (Read it here.)
American Futures 