The Long-Term Thinking Cities Need

A roundtable of discussion of prominent urbanists examines the questions of urbanism with a long-term mindset.

1 minute read

June 26, 2018, 5:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Little Rock 1871

Little Rock, Arkansas in 1871. | Wikimedia Commons

"In this critical moment in urban history, how do we envision the far-out futures of our cities?"

That's the big question posed to a group of prominent urbanists gathered by Longpath, a future-focused initiative based in Irvington, New York.

The urbanists participating in the discussion are:

  • Gil Penalosa, the founder of 8 80 Cities.
  • Sam Liccardo, mayor of San Jose, California.
  • Toni Griffin, professor in practice of urban planning, Harvard University Graduate School of Design.
  • Dan Doctoroff, chairman and CEO, Sidewalk Labs.
  • George Abbott, director, external Affairs, Memphis River Parks Partnership
  • Shelley Poticia, managing director, Healthy People and Thriving Communities program at the Natural Resource Defense Council.
  • Michael Tubbs, mayor, Stockton, California.
  • Michael Berkowitz, president, 100 Resilient Cities.
  • Bruce Katz, author of The New Localism: How cities can thrive in the age of populism.
  • Carol Coletta, senior fellow of American Cities Practice, Kresge Foundation.
  • Jonathan Rose, President; Author of The Well Tempered City.

Two, more specific, questions help the roundtable arrive at insight about the larger question about thinking long-term. First, the roundtable focuses on what needs to change in the mindset of the world to realize their desired future, and second the roundtable discusses the "inflection points" from the last 100 years of urban history that had still influencing the cities of today.

Monday, June 4, 2018 in CityLab

Young Professional

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 and Environmental 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 and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

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

September 30, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

The mayor of Baltimore speaks into a microphone in front of a rally for more state transportation funding from Maryland.

‘Going backwards:’ Baltimore mayor, students rally against state's transit funding plan

Maryland's proposed six-year plan provides no funding for Baltimore’s BMORE bus program and reduces its road maintenance funding.

October 2, 2026 - Baltimore Sun

A rendering of the waterfront development, which shows a lit-up stage by the waterfront and people walking about.

Detroit to transform waterfront with $2.2 billion investment

Developers will convert about 18 acres of unused parking lot space into civic spaces.

October 2, 2026 - ABC 7

Gavin Newsom gesturing with both hands out behind a podium.

Newsom vetoes high-speed rail supervision bill after agency receives condemnatory audit

The audit found the CHSRA approved almost $600,000 in unallowable travel expenses.

October 4 - Cal Matters

The Seaglider, a plane-shaped vehicle with four wings that curve sharply towards the sea after a few feet.

Nation sees first electric plane-boat hybrid take off in public demo

The Viceroy Seaglider can fly at speeds of 180mph for up to 180 miles.

October 4 - Smart Cities Dive

A data center. It is a low, white building, seen from above.

One of nation’s poorest counties to receive $6 billion data center

The developers estimate the project will create 200 permanent jobs and 1,000 temporary construction jobs.

October 4 - Mississippi Today

FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?

After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.

Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold

The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.

Senior Planner

City of Thousand Oaks

Community Development Director

City of Wisconsin Rapids

Professor of Urban Planning

Harvard University Graduate School of Design