A Country of Cities

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In A Country of Cities, Vishaan Chakrabarti contends that well-designed cities are crucial for addressing America's significant challenges, including environmental degradation, economic stagnation, and rising public health costs. He argues that if developed wisely, cities can lead us into a new era of progressive stewardship. The book explores the evolution of cities, suburbs, and exurbs across the U.S., examining their roles in prosperity, sustainability, and social well-being. Notably, American cities are currently experiencing faster growth than suburbs for the first time since the 1920s. Chakrabarti emphasizes that by intelligently increasing urban density and enhancing infrastructure—such as transit systems, schools, and parks—we can create more job opportunities and a sustainable environment. He uses compelling infographics to highlight critical statistics on issues like childhood obesity, long commutes, and government subsidies favoring highways over mass transit. The book concludes with a passionate manifesto, urging a transformation from a country dominated by highways and houses to one characterized by trains, towers, and trees, advocating for a revitalized urban America.