The Urban Condition

Zohran Mamdani's other election victory

On top of his historic mayoral election, Mamdani won an even bigger mandate to enact parts of his housing agenda.

Nov 13 • 

Benjamin Schneider

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How Southern California would benefit from electric trains

Electrification and level boarding platforms can significantly improve rail travel on the west coast, too.

Nov 3 • 

Benjamin Schneider

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October 2025

Why automated metros are the future

High-tech transit can be cost-effective transit. Just look at Canada.

Oct 21 • 

Benjamin Schneider

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Why are so many transit agencies facing ‘fiscal cliffs’?

Covid and inflation played a role. But for many agencies, the crisis goes much deeper.

Oct 13 • 

Benjamin Schneider

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We need to talk about ‘missing massive’ housing

In most neighborhoods, missing middle housing will do the trick. But right on top of subway stations, urbanists should think bigger.

Oct 3 • 

Benjamin Schneider

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September 2025

Can California High-Speed Rail make it to the Bay?

The project notched a major victory by securing long-term funding. But getting the line to major population centers remains an enormous challenge.

Sep 19 • 

Benjamin Schneider

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The Freudian underbelly of self-driving cars

Cars have traditionally represented autonomy for humans. What happens when that autonomy is transferred to the vehicle?

Sep 11 • 

Benjamin Schneider

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American cities have stagnated. We're all suffering for it.

Many of the nation’s greatest challenges are rooted in the built environment itself. To change our circumstances, we need to change our cities.

Sep 2 • 

Benjamin Schneider

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August 2025

The bikeshare boom rolls on

More people than ever are riding shared bikes and scooters. Will elected officials get the message?

Aug 25 • 

Benjamin Schneider

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In Defense of Inclusionary Zoning

The policy needs to be used judiciously. But in the right contexts, inclusionary zoning can absolutely coexist with robust housing production.

Aug 14 • 

Benjamin Schneider

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July 2025

Are California’s environmental reforms a model for the ‘Abundance Agenda?’

By saying "yes" to housing and advanced manufacturing, California said "no" to other priorities. That could point to a new style of governing.

Jul 9 • 

Benjamin Schneider

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June 2025

Will the Reconnecting Communities program survive Trump?

A freeway cap in Portland, Oregon is in jeopardy. But the visionary “restorative redevelopment” next door goes on.

Jun 27 • 

Benjamin Schneider

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