Boulder, Colorado: A Special Kind of Community
by John Tierney
An exaggerated version of a college town, it’s the perfect setting for an unusually participatory conference. (Read it here.)
Category Archives: Civic Life
From Xizhou to Eastport to Ajo: Big Dreams in Small Towns
From Xizhou to Eastport to Ajo: Big Dreams in Small Towns
by James Fallows
The same kind of ambition you see in political campaigns, races for sports championships, or attempts to score a big IPO—but toward a different end. (Read it here.)
Creating California’s New Bohemia — in an Unexpected Locale
Creating California’s New Bohemia — in an Unexpected Locale
by James Fallows
“It’s a great time to be an artist in Fresno.” This is a possibility I had never considered before visiting. And now … (Read it here.)
Ajo, Arizona: Oasis in the Desert
Ajo, Arizona: Oasis in the Desert
by Deborah Fallows
How a city with century-old “good bones” tries to reinvent itself. (Read it here.)
Downtown Fresno Kicks Off Its Campaign
Downtown Fresno Kicks Off Its Campaign
by James Fallows
Why “unapologetic” may be the most important word in a city’s recovery plan (Read it here.)
How People in Boulder Build Community Out of a Conference
How People in Boulder Build Community Out of a Conference
by John Tierney
An annual meeting brings speakers from around the world together with students and local residents, in intimate settings. (Read it here.)
Stages of a Downtown Comeback: Fresno Begins the Long Climb
Stages of a Downtown Comeback: Fresno Begins the Long Climb
by James Fallows
Urban revivals require a shared narrative, private-sector partners, and a public official championing a far-sighted plan. (Read it here.)
On SOTU Day, a ‘City Makers Summit’ and Some Next Steps in Civic Life
On SOTU Day, a ‘City Makers Summit’ and Some Next Steps in Civic Life
by James Fallows
A conference in Washington, a development across the country
(Read it here.)
Revisiting The Atlantic’s Dust Bowl Series
Revisiting The Atlantic’s Dust Bowl Series
by Deborah Fallows
The third day of a cross-country flight (Read it here.)
How the Arts Drive Pittsburgh’s Revitalization
How the Arts Drive Pittsburgh’s Revitalization 
by John Tierney
The role of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, founded by a wealthy band of visionaries 30 years ago, is central—but hard to replicate. (Read it here.)
American Futures 