Next City

Next City publishes hundreds of stories on solutions to urban issues each year, leading ultimately to a narrative shift about what’s possible. Research has found that when news stories discuss potential answers to problems, readers leave feeling more knowledgeable and empowered to solve them. Readers are statistically more likely to act, donate to support an organization, and evolve their opinions. Where solutions journalism is healthy, America has more informed and engaged communities.

We also compile our best reporting into ebooks, host webinars with practitioners who share lessons from their work, and convene events that bring our journalism to life, such as our annual Vanguard Conference for rising urban leaders. More than 600 Vanguard alumni are working today around the globe.

Next City’s journalism centers marginalized voices while amplifying solutions to the problems that oppress people in cities—poverty, climate change, the housing crisis, inequities in the social determinants of health, the racial wealth gap, and much more.

At a time when cities face rampant inequality and urgent challenges, Next City’s work as a nonprofit is critical: by spreading real stories and workable ideas from one city to the next, we connect people, places and solutions that move our society toward justice and equity.

Next City’s readers are the city-builders who share our vision for the transformation of cities. Our core audience consists of individuals working in city planning, community development, architecture, media, academia, parks, transportation, the arts — or within any sector that must collaborate to make cities run more equitably. These are the thinkers and doers who often wear many hats in their communities. This dynamic group uses Next City as a trusted resource for professional education and exploration. The extended audience consists of the people who are part of the change process in cities: grassroots organizers, activists, advocates, elected officials, local business and nonprofit leaders, and voters.

Next City's service to a movement for racial equity and justice is evident in every facet of our work. Any news outlet, though, is only as impactful as its readers. The annual reader survey found that 75% rely on Next City for their jobs. When asked whether their job brings about greater racial equity, 90% say yes. Even so, as civic leaders of color look around their professions, they might feel like one voice among the many. Next City adds our bullhorn to theirs every day.