What we learned at Citylab

Chapter 1

The power of trees

Just how much can a tree improve quality of life and make cities more liveable? Amanda Burden, the principal of planning for Bloomberg Associates, tells us about immersive nature and the transformative power of greenery.

Chapter 2

Every city can be a cycling mecca

Though any city can become a haven for cyclists, many simply don’t know where to start. The new Bloomberg Initiative for Cycling Infrastructure wants to help cities do precisely that, says Janette Sadik-Khan, principal of transport for Bloomberg Associates.

Chapter 3

Why local leadership is changing for the better

In recent years the role of local leadership has changed significantly. Mayors are often both the first and last port of call for getting things done. Clarence Anthony, the CEO and executive director of the National League of Cities, told us about the evolution of local leadership and some of the major changes in how mayors govern.

Chapter 4

Shade equity: how heat discriminates

The role of chief heat officer is a relatively new position but the trend is growing. In Los Angeles, Marta Segura is trying to address the reality that heat doesn’t affect every citizen in the same way.

Chapter 5

The weight of water

Recent weeks have shown how floods can cause unprecedented damage in cities, while in the summer a lack of water led to extreme droughts across Europe. Henk Ovink, the special envoy for international water affairs for the Netherlands, told us why cities need to start taking water more seriously.

Chapter 6

How cities can be part of the protest

Washington has been the epicentre of protests for as long as the US has existed. But for mayor Muriel Bowser, the city isn’t just a stage – it can be a part of the conversation too.