Cities Enter a New Era

Over two years into a pandemic that confined people indoors, cleared city centers, and reduced travel frequency, it’s no surprise that the world—and its urban spaces—became significantly quieter during this period. The stillness even penetrated the Earth’s layers: In 2020, scientists observed a decrease in seismic activity linked to reduced surface vibrations. This dramatic pause revealed a truth urban planners have long recognized: cities are remarkably adaptable and responsive. Here’s a glimpse into the future of some of the most vibrant urban areas on the planet.

Focusing on Local Communities

The advantages of the 15-minute city—where residents can access essential services within a short walk—became increasingly clear over the past two years, as many commutes vanished and daily activities were confined to a smaller radius. With the future of remote work still uncertain, several cities are channeling investments into specific neighborhoods. 'The key question is how we can reinvest in not just the grand spaces, but the everyday ones,' says Alexa Bush, a program officer at the Kresge Foundation, which aims to enhance opportunities in U.S. cities through funding and investments. In Detroit, multipurpose venues have surged. Many are backed by the Motor City Match program, predominantly owned by minorities or women. These spaces have become community hubs and exciting new spots for visitors. On any given night at Spot Lite, you can witness a lively crowd dancing to top-notch DJs. By day, the airy warehouse serves as a coffee shop, local art gallery, and workspace. At Paramita Sound, guests can browse rare vinyl records while sipping local Michigan wine.

In other locations, cities are prioritizing outdoor areas. San Francisco is investing $150 million to create India Basin Waterfront Park in the Bayview–Hunters Point neighborhood. Situated in one of the city’s most underserved regions, the park's development is paired with an Equitable Development Plan aimed at preserving the cultural heritage and identity of this historic district.

In Tainan City, Taiwan, the Tainan Spring initiative has transformed an outdated shopping mall into a new public swimming pool, which will eventually feature a sunken park with wading pools and lush tropical plants. Meanwhile, Freetown, Sierra Leone has launched a campaign aiming to boost tree coverage by 50 percent by the end of 2022, utilizing an open-source application along with financial rewards for locals to care for the saplings.

Enhancing Cultural Centers

The world's most vibrant cities are rich tapestries of diverse cultures, languages, and communities, yet immigrants and people of color often find their stories overlooked in mainstream narratives. How can travelers engage more deeply with the broader aspects of cities that aren’t typically showcased in travel guides or social media?

The typical postcard image of Paris might feature elegant cathedrals, grand museums, a buttery croissant, and a café au lait at a quaint bistro. However, this portrayal misses the Paris that French-Cameroonian entrepreneur Jacqueline Ngo Mpii cherishes—a city profoundly influenced by Afro-French culture. Ngo Mpii established Little Africa, a cultural and tour agency, and has played a key role in revitalizing the La Goutte d’Or neighborhood, just a mile east of Montmartre, transforming it into a lively and trendy area. Both locals and visitors can savor jerk chicken at Mama Kossa or a traditional tagine at the Institut des Cultures d’Islam. La Goutte d’Or also hosts Little Africa Paris Village, a concept store showcasing African designers, artists, and entrepreneurs.

In Seattle, the Central District—once a hub for the city’s Black community—has become a focal point for gentrification and displacement. In the 1970s, over 70 percent of its residents were Black, but that number has now fallen below 18 percent. In response to this change, the Africatown Community Land Trust has been acquiring and developing land in the area for the past two decades to create a cultural and economic haven for the African diaspora in the Seattle metropolitan area. Consequently, visitors to the Central District can discover a vibrant array of Black-owned businesses, such as Melo Cafe, the Ethiopian coffee roaster Cafe Avole, and the restaurant Communion, renowned for serving some of the best catfish this side of the Mississippi.

Navigating the City

Many cities are striving to shift away from the traditional car-centric culture. Initially, this led to sidewalks cluttered with abandoned scooters. However, several cities have begun to strategically integrate investments in 'micromobility'—transportation over short distances using lightweight, often single-passenger vehicles like bicycles or electric scooters—with more enduring infrastructure.

A prime example is Atlanta’s BeltLine project. This extensive network of public parks, multi-use paths, transit options, and affordable housing stretches partly along a 22-mile railway corridor. The BeltLine also features Ponce City Market, where visitors can indulge in vegan cheesesteak, chicken tikka rolls, tonkotsu ramen, and more. From there, getting around town is a breeze with an electric scooter or bicycle.

Numerous cities are intensifying their focus on improving cycling infrastructure. Under its Transportation 2040 initiative, Vancouver has implemented a citywide strategy to create new bike paths and enhance existing ones, aiming for bicycle travel to constitute 12 percent of all trips by 2040. So far, the city's efforts have nearly doubled the number of bike commuters since 2011, and the expanding network of bike lanes allows travelers to explore Vancouver at their own pace. (Cycle City Vancouver provides bike rentals, maps, and guided tours.)

The groundbreaking mass transit initiative in La Paz, known as Mi Teleférico, boasts the title of the largest cable-car system in the world. Since its launch in 2014, this system spans the La Paz–El Alto metropolitan area, featuring 26 stations across 10 lines and providing breathtaking 360-degree views of the world’s highest capital city. Mi Teleférico not only shortens lengthy commutes on the ground but also bridges gaps between residents and visitors of diverse social classes and geographical areas.