Research Repository
Our repository is where we store all of the research we share across our platform. This research has been organized into 20 city making categories to emphasize the importance of systems thinking in meaningfully solving problems.
Research Program
Guided by our indicators and supported by systems thinking, we collect and share cities research from around the world in an effort to more fully understand the challenges and opportunities facing cities. We take a deeper dive into these topics through our webcast productions by inviting global leaders actively reshaping urban life.
Common Ground
Our ability to solve complex urban problems comes from our ability to understand a range of diverse perspectives. Using our research database, we curate a selection of perspectives about the issues facing cities. Join our online event as we have conversations about the issues facing cities to spark discussion and understanding while building connection.
Outside the Box
Our community of engaged city-builders include many inspiring and creative innovators who challenge the status quo in an effort to build better cities. This webinar aims to learn more about these outside the box thinkers reshaping urban life. Join us as we discover their journey: the obstacles they faced, their successes, what they would differently.
Capacity Building Program
Since the late 1980s, humanity has witnessed rates of innovation never seen before in history. As we progress into the 4th industrial revolution, innovation will continue to transform cities. We bring together digital content that will not only give you the skills needed to make sense of a complex world, but also provide you with the tools to effectively respond in an effort to improve urban life.
News Literacy
In addition to the opinions of your family and friends, the digital age has brought with it an explosion of opinions from a growing number of media outlets. Our News Literacy course is designed to help you become critical of the opinions you consume and better evaluate the quality of news media products. Currently in development.
Disruption Mapping
Also referred to as the Implications Wheel, Disruption Mapping (DM) is a tool that is used to organize our thoughts around a trend and its implications on the future. DM will improve your ability to understand the wide-ranging impacts that disruption can have on communities while identifying potential risks and opportunities. Currently in development.
Tactical Urbanism
This is an approach to improving urban life that uses short term, low cost, and scalable solutions. Instead of making large investments, Tactical Urbanism promotes the use of small investments to prove out a concept. Constructed solutions could remain as presented after demonstrating its impact, ,but a case could be made for the investment needed to make the solution permanent. Currently in development.
Community Benefit District
Community Benefit Districts (CBDs) are public-private nonprofit partnerships. CBDs work to improve the overall quality of life within specific districts as well as neighborhoods. This is done by developing a partnership between the City and local communities. The municipal government creates a levy within the community to raise funds for local improvements within a defined geographical area.
Community Land Trust
Community Land Trusts (CLTs) are community-based non profit organizations that work to acquire stewardship of land and community assets. These land trusts can be used for commercial or retail development etc. This way, the land can be permanently held for the community instead of a private market. This system also works to ensure affordability for home and business owners in the community.
Anchor Institution Agreement
Anchor institutions are nonprofit institutions based usually in one specific land/area like a hospital or university. These organizations are called anchor because of how difficult it is for them to move. These agreements aim to direct investments, such as the procurement of goods and services, into the local community.
Community Bond
Community bonds is a tool a non-profit would use to finance their growth. The non-profit would issue a series of bonds to its community who would purchase the bonds with an expected rate of return. The non-profit would need a revenue model that would allow it to pay back the initial investment plus the interest to the owner of the bond. This tool allows an organization to raise the capital needed for growth. It can be used as part of a larger funding model.