The Most Compassionate City in the U.K.

Leeds is the third biggest city in the U.K., located in the north of England. While it may not necessarily appear on tourists’ top bucket list destinations, the Leeds City Council is determined to make it the best city in the U.K.

1 minute read

September 14, 2020, 5:00 AM PDT

By PabloValerio @pabl0valerio


The Calls on the River Aire

Tupungato / Shutterstock

By Alexandra Neag

In a world where the “smart” approaches to life stem mostly from the metropolitan areas, it’s worthwhile taking a look at the smaller cities’ visions. They could be further away from incorporating intricate technologies like 5G or the Internet of Things, but their priorities in achieving growth could provide some thought-provoking insights.

To encourage the compassionate theme across all Leeds communities, the council has initiated a ceremony that celebrates the people or organisations whose positive impact stands out. The Leeds Compassionate City Awards run every year and it works based on nominations. This is a fantastic way to inspire more individuals to act compassionately towards their peers. Some of the rewarded categories include the Health and Wellbeing award, the Community project of the year, Outstanding achievement of the year or Diversity project of the year. Due to the pandemic, the ceremony will be held in a different manner, but it will still take place on 10th December.

Friday, September 11, 2020 in Cities of the Future

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 2, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly

Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

White and purple sign for Slow Street in San Francisco, California with people crossing crosswalk.

San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths

Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.

July 1, 2025 - KQED

Blue and silver Amtrak train at small station.

Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train

The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.

July 3 - New Orleans City Business

Large spinning swing ride at Chicago's Navy Pier.

The Subversive Car-Free Guide to Trump's Great American Road Trip

Car-free ways to access Chicagoland’s best tourist attractions.

July 3 - Streetsblog Chicago

Aerial view of downtown San Antonio, Texas at night with rotating Tower of the Americas in foreground.

San Antonio and Austin are Fusing Into one Massive Megaregion

The region spanning the two central Texas cities is growing fast, posing challenges for local infrastructure and water supplies.

July 3 - Governing