Your Town

Editor's Note

William McKenzie

A strong democracy starts at home

Our Politics Should Address the Rebirth of Community

Ben Sasse

Forces such as the digital revolution will continue to march forward, disrupting community norms and disrupting families. A renewed focus on the local community while ensuring that each generation embraces the American idea can help mend the hollowing of our communities.

Younger Community Leaders Create Hope for Our Democracy

Holly Kuzmich

A new generation of leaders are emerging in public service – and with their fresh perspectives bring renewed hope for America’s democracy.

Millennials Reinvent Localism in Their Search for Community

Anne Snyder

While millennials represent a diverse set of individuals, many of the young leaders influenced by grass-roots movements such as Black Lives Matter are turning their focus to improving their own neighborhoods.

Going Local in a Troubled Time

Yuval Levin

Finding local solutions to national problems offers an approach better fitting of the diversity of American communities. While not every issue can be resolved locally, starting closer to home helps dodge identity politics and hostility and leads to solutions unique to local concerns.

The Roots of Economic Opportunity Are Local – In Our Homes, Work, and Communities

Abby McCloskey

The breakdown of our connection to one another lies at the root of many of our national issues. How can we restore a sense of community in our daily lives?

The Future of Cities: How Communities Rebound

James Fallows

During a journey across America with his wife, Deborah Fallows, The Atlantic’s James Fallows observed a myriad of cities and towns. Which towns recovered most effectively from challenges? Fallows discovered that the answer lies less in national policy but in the local people who cares deeply about their home town.

Detroit’s Journey from Plight to Progress

Ron Fournier

Detroit native Ron Fournier has watched his hometown sink into despair, only to now see a resurgence. What factors helped Detroit rebound, and what challenges still await a city famous for its struggles?

How a Mining Town Evolved Through Immigration

Andrew Selee

After gaining national attention for its divisive immigrant policies in 2006, once coal-focused Hazleton, Pennsylvania, has since emerged as a community that is both diverse and entrepreneurial – but not without challenges along the way.

No Longer Content with Kid-Brother Status, Thriving Suburbs Come of Age

Bruce Tomaso

After a period of urban population growth, suburban areas are competing with their larger neighbors to attract young professionals and businesses alike.

Traumatic Stories Play Themselves Out Across America’s Schools

Tim Ware

Technology Can Bring Neighbors Together, but Don't Forget the Baked Goods

Kevin Sullivan

Social media has changed the way local communities function, but technology used the right way can bring neighbors together and begin restoring trust in community.

The Boom in Urban Housing Prices is Holding Back Economic Growth

J.H. Cullum Clark

How can we avoid housing becoming a limiting factor in economic mobility?

Community is a Place and a Perspective

Thomas Melia

Communities of all types exist: rich and poor, near and afar. Community is defined not just by the physical proximity but also by the shared values.