NPR Cities: Urban Life In The 21st Century http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=155914958&ft=1&f=155914958 More than half of the world now lives in urban areas. In the U.S., urban dwellers make up 83 percent of the population, and it's growing every day. What does it mean to live in a city today? What are the challenges for cities going forward? NPR explores urban life in the 21st century. en Copyright 2013 NPR - For Personal Use Only NPR API RSS Generator 0.94 Tue, 09 Oct 2012 15:00:00 -0400 http://media.npr.org/images/podcasts/thumbnail/npr_generic_image_75.jpg NPR Cities: Urban Life In The 21st Century http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=155914958&ft=1&f=155914958 yes Sound Of Your City: Construction, Food Truck, Parks Over the past few months the NPR Cities Project has asked for pictures and sound from the "Heart of your City." Featured in the final edition are sounds of construction, a food truck, parks and more. Tue, 09 Oct 2012 15:00:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/2012/10/09/162591202/sound-of-your-city-construction-food-truck-parks?ft=1&f=155914958 http://www.npr.org/2012/10/09/162591202/sound-of-your-city-construction-food-truck-parks?ft=1&f=155914958 Over the past few months the NPR Cities Project has asked for pictures and sound from the "Heart of your City." Featured in the final edition are sounds of construction, a food truck, parks and more. 173 no Over the past few months the NPR Cities Project has asked for pictures and sound from the "Heart of your City." Featured in the final edition are sounds of construction, a food truck, parks and more.

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]]> The City As Infestation The vast web of geometries traced out in light shows you cities as a kind of infestation. They're like living networks spreading across the planet. Tue, 09 Oct 2012 09:28:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/blogs/13.7/2012/10/09/162506048/the-city-as-infestation?ft=1&f=155914958 http://www.npr.org/blogs/13.7/2012/10/09/162506048/the-city-as-infestation?ft=1&f=155914958 The vast web of geometries traced out in light shows you cities as a kind of infestation. They're like living networks spreading across the planet. 296 no The vast web of geometries traced out in light shows you cities as a kind of infestation. They're like living networks spreading across the planet.

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]]> 'Million-Dollar Blocks' Map Incarceration's Costs Many cities spend millions on prisons annually, and often those moving in and out of jail come from the same neighborhoods. The Justice Mapping Center maps those costs, block by block, to help policymakers visualize where those public dollars are going — and determine if they could be better spent. Tue, 02 Oct 2012 18:13:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/2012/10/02/162149431/million-dollar-blocks-map-incarcerations-costs?ft=1&f=155914958 http://www.npr.org/2012/10/02/162149431/million-dollar-blocks-map-incarcerations-costs?ft=1&f=155914958 Many cities spend millions on prisons annually, and often those moving in and out of jail come from the same neighborhoods. The Justice Mapping Center maps those costs, block by block, to help policymakers visualize where those public dollars are going — and determine if they could be better spent. 780 no Many cities spend millions on prisons annually, and often those moving in and out of jail come from the same neighborhoods. The Justice Mapping Center maps those costs, block by block, to help policymakers visualize where those public dollars are going — and determine if they could be better spent.

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]]> Aurora, Colo., Tries To Capitalize On Its Ethnic Riches The city is surprisingly diverse, with more than 90 languages spoken in its public schools. Local officials and residents are working to turn that diversity into an economic advantage — but creating a sense of community among such diverse groups is no small challenge. Thu, 27 Sep 2012 17:28:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/2012/09/27/161885219/aurora-colo-tries-to-capitalize-on-its-ethnic-riches?ft=1&f=155914958 http://www.npr.org/2012/09/27/161885219/aurora-colo-tries-to-capitalize-on-its-ethnic-riches?ft=1&f=155914958 The city is surprisingly diverse, with more than 90 languages spoken in its public schools. Local officials and residents are working to turn that diversity into an economic advantage — but creating a sense of community among such diverse groups is no small challenge. 751 no The city is surprisingly diverse, with more than 90 languages spoken in its public schools. Local officials and residents are working to turn that diversity into an economic advantage — but creating a sense of community among such diverse groups is no small challenge.

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]]> With Hats And Umbrellas, Senegalese Fill A City Niche In many cities around the world, certain ethnic groups are often associated with particular occupations. Cheikh Fall, like many other Senegalese immigrants in New York, makes his living as a street vendor. He lives by the motto, "Work like you're never gonna die, and worship like you will die tomorrow." Tue, 18 Sep 2012 09:15:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/2012/09/18/161336760/with-hats-and-umbrellas-senegalese-fill-a-city-niche?ft=1&f=155914958 http://www.npr.org/2012/09/18/161336760/with-hats-and-umbrellas-senegalese-fill-a-city-niche?ft=1&f=155914958 In many cities around the world, certain ethnic groups are often associated with particular occupations. Cheikh Fall, like many other Senegalese immigrants in New York, makes his living as a street vendor. He lives by the motto, "Work like you're never gonna die, and worship like you will die tomorrow." 555 no In many cities around the world, certain ethnic groups are often associated with particular occupations. Cheikh Fall, like many other Senegalese immigrants in New York, makes his living as a street vendor. He lives by the motto, "Work like you're never gonna die, and worship like you will die tomorrow."

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]]> Racial, Regional Divide Still Haunt Detroit's Progress In Detroit, the predominantly black city and predominantly white suburbs have feuded for decades over finances and control of assets. A recent suburban vote to help a city institution offers hope for better cooperation. But old tensions are still roiling over a proposal to put a beloved city park under state oversight. Tue, 11 Sep 2012 19:01:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/2012/09/11/160768981/racial-regional-divide-still-haunt-detroits-progress?ft=1&f=155914958 http://www.npr.org/2012/09/11/160768981/racial-regional-divide-still-haunt-detroits-progress?ft=1&f=155914958 In Detroit, the predominantly black city and predominantly white suburbs have feuded for decades over finances and control of assets. A recent suburban vote to help a city institution offers hope for better cooperation. But old tensions are still roiling over a proposal to put a beloved city park under state oversight. 453 no In Detroit, the predominantly black city and predominantly white suburbs have feuded for decades over finances and control of assets. A recent suburban vote to help a city institution offers hope for better cooperation. But old tensions are still roiling over a proposal to put a beloved city park under state oversight.

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]]> City Life Snapshot: Music In Austin, Texas In Austin, Texas, Baldomero Frank Alvarez Cuellar of Rancho Alegre Radio, is working to bring <em>Conjunto</em> music back to the life of the city. <em></em> He held a three-day <em>Conjunto</em> festival at the Moose Lodge. <em>Conjunto</em> has roots in German Polka as well as Mexican folk music. This City Life Snapshot comes from the <a href="http://austinmusicmap.com/">Austin Music Map</a> project at member station KUT in Austin. It's part of the <a href="http://airmediaworks.org/localore">Localore</a> project, a nationwide effort from the <a href="http://www.airmedia.org/">Association of Independents in Radio</a>. Tue, 11 Sep 2012 15:00:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/2012/09/11/160966309/city-life-snapshot-music-in-austin-texas?ft=1&f=155914958 http://www.npr.org/2012/09/11/160966309/city-life-snapshot-music-in-austin-texas?ft=1&f=155914958 In Austin, Texas, Baldomero Frank Alvarez Cuellar of Rancho Alegre Radio, is working to bring <em>Conjunto</em> music back to the life of the city. <em></em> He held a three-day <em>Conjunto</em> festival at the Moose Lodge. <em>Conjunto</em> has roots in German Polka as well as Mexican folk music. This City Life Snapshot comes from the <a href="http://austinmusicmap.com/">Austin Music Map</a> project at member station KUT in Austin. It's part of the <a href="http://airmediaworks.org/localore">Localore</a> project, a nationwide effort from the <a href="http://www.airmedia.org/">Association of Independents in Radio</a>. 174 no In Austin, Texas, Baldomero Frank Alvarez Cuellar of Rancho Alegre Radio, is working to bring Conjunto music back to the life of the city. He held a three-day Conjunto festival at the Moose Lodge. Conjunto has roots in German Polka as well as Mexican folk music. This City Life Snapshot comes from the Austin Music Map project at member station KUT in Austin. It's part of the Localore project, a nationwide effort from the Association of Independents in Radio.

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]]> Bridging The Gap Between Two Neighborhoods In the nation's capital, park planners have drawn up an ambitious plan to transform an old bridge into an active recreation space. If realized, the park would offer a physical and symbolic link between two very different communities. Tue, 04 Sep 2012 16:17:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/2012/09/04/160533790/bridging-the-gap-between-two-neighborhoods?ft=1&f=155914958 http://www.npr.org/2012/09/04/160533790/bridging-the-gap-between-two-neighborhoods?ft=1&f=155914958 In the nation's capital, park planners have drawn up an ambitious plan to transform an old bridge into an active recreation space. If realized, the park would offer a physical and symbolic link between two very different communities. 471 no In the nation's capital, park planners have drawn up an ambitious plan to transform an old bridge into an active recreation space. If realized, the park would offer a physical and symbolic link between two very different communities.

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]]> 'Pocket Parks' Start Popping Up Over All Over L.A. Pocket Parks are little green spaces embedded in an otherwise built-up neighborhood. Urban theorists say it's beneficial to have small spaces like these that are less than 20,000 square feet and can serve people within a tenth of a mile of the park. Los Angeles has plans for 50 new parks like this and they're bulldozing foreclosed homes to make way for some of them. In this City Life Snapshot — we get a before and after picture of a new park on 49th Street in South L.A. Tue, 04 Sep 2012 15:00:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/2012/09/04/160562394/pocket-parks-start-popping-up-over-all-over-l-a?ft=1&f=155914958 http://www.npr.org/2012/09/04/160562394/pocket-parks-start-popping-up-over-all-over-l-a?ft=1&f=155914958 Pocket Parks are little green spaces embedded in an otherwise built-up neighborhood. Urban theorists say it's beneficial to have small spaces like these that are less than 20,000 square feet and can serve people within a tenth of a mile of the park. Los Angeles has plans for 50 new parks like this and they're bulldozing foreclosed homes to make way for some of them. In this City Life Snapshot — we get a before and after picture of a new park on 49th Street in South L.A. 185 no Pocket Parks are little green spaces embedded in an otherwise built-up neighborhood. Urban theorists say it's beneficial to have small spaces like these that are less than 20,000 square feet and can serve people within a tenth of a mile of the park. Los Angeles has plans for 50 new parks like this and they're bulldozing foreclosed homes to make way for some of them. In this City Life Snapshot — we get a before and after picture of a new park on 49th Street in South L.A.

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]]> A Twitter Conversation: #NPRCities Roundtable 2 As Hurricane Isaac bears down on New Orleans and the Gulf Coast, some urban thinkers joined us on Twitter to explore what cities can do to prepare for disasters. Tue, 28 Aug 2012 20:00:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/2012/08/29/160241499/a-twitter-conversation-nprcities-roundtable-2?ft=1&f=155914958 http://www.npr.org/2012/08/29/160241499/a-twitter-conversation-nprcities-roundtable-2?ft=1&f=155914958 As Hurricane Isaac bears down on New Orleans and the Gulf Coast, some urban thinkers joined us on Twitter to explore what cities can do to prepare for disasters. no As Hurricane Isaac bears down on New Orleans and the Gulf Coast, some urban thinkers joined us on Twitter to explore what cities can do to prepare for disasters.

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]]> Parks Vie For Space In Miami's Forest Of Condos Miami may bring to mind images of the sea and palm trees, but according to park advocates, it also suffers from a lack of green space. That can make it difficult for downtown residents to find places to enjoy the outdoors. Advocates are trying to remedy that — in the face of ongoing downtown development. Tue, 28 Aug 2012 17:20:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/2012/08/28/160129982/parks-vie-for-space-in-miamis-forest-of-condos?ft=1&f=155914958 http://www.npr.org/2012/08/28/160129982/parks-vie-for-space-in-miamis-forest-of-condos?ft=1&f=155914958 Miami may bring to mind images of the sea and palm trees, but according to park advocates, it also suffers from a lack of green space. That can make it difficult for downtown residents to find places to enjoy the outdoors. Advocates are trying to remedy that — in the face of ongoing downtown development. 535 no Miami may bring to mind images of the sea and palm trees, but according to park advocates, it also suffers from a lack of green space. That can make it difficult for downtown residents to find places to enjoy the outdoors. Advocates are trying to remedy that — in the face of ongoing downtown development.

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]]> Boston Plans For 'Near-Term Risk' Of Rising Tides In Boston, scientists are predicting that climate change will lead to dramatic sea level rise, and more frequent flooding, around the city. Officials are studying the potential impact on roads and sewers and are asking waterfront developers to plan for increased flooding. Tue, 21 Aug 2012 17:07:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/2012/08/21/159551828/boston-plans-for-near-term-risk-of-rising-tides?ft=1&f=155914958 http://www.npr.org/2012/08/21/159551828/boston-plans-for-near-term-risk-of-rising-tides?ft=1&f=155914958 In Boston, scientists are predicting that climate change will lead to dramatic sea level rise, and more frequent flooding, around the city. Officials are studying the potential impact on roads and sewers and are asking waterfront developers to plan for increased flooding. 431 no In Boston, scientists are predicting that climate change will lead to dramatic sea level rise, and more frequent flooding, around the city. Officials are studying the potential impact on roads and sewers and are asking waterfront developers to plan for increased flooding.

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]]> The City As Engine: Energy, Entropy And The Triumph Of Disorder The second law of thermodynamics is a kind of warning to cities and civilization. No matter how clever we are, disorder, waste and pollution will always follow from our work organizing societies into cities. Tue, 21 Aug 2012 12:03:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/blogs/13.7/2012/08/21/159245386/the-city-as-engine-energy-entropy-and-the-triumph-of-disorder?ft=1&f=155914958 http://www.npr.org/blogs/13.7/2012/08/21/159245386/the-city-as-engine-energy-entropy-and-the-triumph-of-disorder?ft=1&f=155914958 The second law of thermodynamics is a kind of warning to cities and civilization. No matter how clever we are, disorder, waste and pollution will always follow from our work organizing societies into cities. 299 no The second law of thermodynamics is a kind of warning to cities and civilization. No matter how clever we are, disorder, waste and pollution will always follow from our work organizing societies into cities.

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]]> Scorching Phoenix Plans For An Even Hotter Future The Arizona city already logs more days over 100 degrees than any U.S. city, and climate researchers predict Phoenix will grow hotter still in the coming decades. Planners are taking the projections seriously, and are looking for ways to adapt the city and its residents to a hotter, drier reality. Tue, 14 Aug 2012 17:09:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/2012/08/14/158776471/scorching-phoenix-plans-for-an-even-hotter-future?ft=1&f=155914958 http://www.npr.org/2012/08/14/158776471/scorching-phoenix-plans-for-an-even-hotter-future?ft=1&f=155914958 The Arizona city already logs more days over 100 degrees than any U.S. city, and climate researchers predict Phoenix will grow hotter still in the coming decades. Planners are taking the projections seriously, and are looking for ways to adapt the city and its residents to a hotter, drier reality. 435 no The Arizona city already logs more days over 100 degrees than any U.S. city, and climate researchers predict Phoenix will grow hotter still in the coming decades. Planners are taking the projections seriously, and are looking for ways to adapt the city and its residents to a hotter, drier reality.

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]]> What Goes Into Timing Traffic Lights? As part of the NPR Cities Project, we're exploring some "gee-whiz" questions about how cities work. Melissa Block talks to Gideon Berger, Fellowship Director for the Urban Land Institute, on the street in Washington, D.C.'s Chinatown. They talk about the trickiness of timing traffic lights Tue, 14 Aug 2012 15:00:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/2012/08/14/158791568/what-goes-into-timing-traffic-lights?ft=1&f=155914958 http://www.npr.org/2012/08/14/158791568/what-goes-into-timing-traffic-lights?ft=1&f=155914958 As part of the NPR Cities Project, we're exploring some "gee-whiz" questions about how cities work. Melissa Block talks to Gideon Berger, Fellowship Director for the Urban Land Institute, on the street in Washington, D.C.'s Chinatown. They talk about the trickiness of timing traffic lights 257 no As part of the NPR Cities Project, we're exploring some "gee-whiz" questions about how cities work. Melissa Block talks to Gideon Berger, Fellowship Director for the Urban Land Institute, on the street in Washington, D.C.'s Chinatown. They talk about the trickiness of timing traffic lights

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