The blog post explores the concept of the Great American Grid, a system of land division established by the Land Ordinance of 1785, which reflects a Jeffersonian ideology favoring individual liberty through land ownership. It cont...
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The post emphasizes the significance of Japan's clean public toilets as a reflection of societal order, contrasting them with the neglect of restrooms in American cities.
Tokyo's urban design fosters a vibrant, interconnected environment that supports millions while prioritizing movement over lingering, contrasting sharply with Western city layouts.
The post explores the historical and cultural significance of urban cemeteries, particularly focusing on Oakwood Cemetery in Austin, Texas. It discusses the evolution of cemeteries from haphazard graveyards to landscaped civic spa...
5.6The Freedom of the City
2026-03-05 • community urban life austin commentary violence
The essay connects a mass shooting in Austin to a broader commentary on the fragility of urban freedom and community amidst violence.
5.6Between Ruin & Repair
2025-12-31 • history community public policy urban renewal cities
The blog post examines the detrimental effects of urban renewal policies on cities, envisioning an alternate history where vibrant communities were preserved.
The essay argues for charging for curb parking in NYC to manage congestion and generate revenue, while critiquing ideological battles in transportation policy.
5.5Only Connect
2026-01-09 • urban life social issues literary fiction urbanism
E.M. Forster's 'Howards End' serves as a critical reflection on urbanization, emphasizing the need for human-centric planning to foster genuine connections in cities.
An alternate history of urban America reveals how different planning choices could have created more connected and inclusive cities, contrasting past decisions that favored sprawl and displacement.
The post applies the Dungeons & Dragons Alignment Chart to critique land-use law, arguing for a shift from chaotic systems to lawful frameworks that facilitate housing development.
The post argues that blaming private equity for housing shortages oversimplifies the issue, which is fundamentally about insufficient housing supply in America.
In Greenbriar, Virginia, a conflict arises over a neighbor's large home addition, highlighting issues of neighborhood aesthetics and NIMBYism. Research indicates that opposition to new developments is often driven by perceptions o...
The post discusses Community First! Village in East Austin, a unique neighborhood providing affordable housing for formerly homeless individuals through tiny homes and shared facilities. It highlights the importance of eviction la...
The article discusses the historical significance and decline of Single Room Occupancy (SRO) housing, particularly those provided by the YMCA, which once offered affordable lodging for low-income individuals. It highlights how the...
The article discusses the vision of urban life presented by General Motors at the 1939 World’s Fair, contrasting the idealized 'City of Tomorrow' with the reality of modern urban environments. It argues that the failure of this vi...
The blog post reflects on New York City's transformation from the brink of financial collapse in the 1970s to a revitalized metropolis in the late 1980s, as chronicled by Jonathan Mahler in 'The Gods of New York.' It discusses the...
The Milan-Cortina Olympics highlighted the blend of athletic excellence and urban beauty, showcasing the triumph of the human spirit over winter challenges.
The post examines the normalization of antisocial behavior in America, warning that a decline in civility can lead to larger societal issues.
5.3The Urban Romantic
2025-10-02 • travel nostalgia personal development cities
The author reflects on their experiences of falling in love with cities, particularly San Sebastián, through personal anecdotes and sensory memories. They describe their first teenage romance and the transformative impact of visit...
The author reflects on the concept of progress, particularly in the context of California and the Democratic Party. The piece highlights the transformative impact of Zipline's delivery drones in rural Rwanda, which have drasticall...
TxDOT's new transit plan reveals the limitations of highway expansion in Texas and emphasizes the need for multimodal transportation solutions to address growing congestion and safety concerns.
The blog post critiques the argument made by Rogé Karma regarding New York's mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani's support for rent control as a politically necessary measure. It discusses the economic flaws of rent control, citing consens...
4.6The Gulf of America
2025-12-01 • politics socialism culture war affordable housing
The essay discusses the recent political interactions involving Zohran Mamdani, highlighting the contrast between his socialist views and his engagement with President Biden, whom he labels a fascist. It reflects on the public's c...
The essay critiques the decline of spontaneous social visits in America, advocating for the revival of 'pop-ins' to strengthen friendships and social connections.