The Urbanist The best of 2025
Dec 25, 2025
Join San Francisco's Mayor Daniel Lurie as he navigates city challenges, focusing on public safety and revitalizing downtown. Landscape architect David Gottschall champions local materials for creating eco-friendly urban spaces in Denver. Monocle correspondent Hannah Lucinda-Smith shares insights on Istanbul's Tertulia series, where music enhances urban culture. Plus, reporter Alexei Korolov gives a thrilling account of the World Tram Driver Championships in Vienna, highlighting its nail-biting competition and the city's triumph.
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Service And Accountability Drive City Comeback
- San Francisco's recovery hinges on public safety, behavioural health and service delivery rather than rhetoric.
- Daniel Lurie argues efficient spending and visible action will restore the city's vitality and downtown footfall.
Use Public Sector Return To Spur Downtown
- Lead by example to bring people back to offices and downtown areas.
- Require public employees and promote employers returning to regular in-person schedules to boost downtown demand.
Design Landscapes As Urban Habitats
- Urban landscapes can be designed as habitats serving humans and wildlife equally.
- David Gottschall shows local materials and regional planting reduce carbon footprint and strengthen local economies.