Next City

Our mission is to inspire greater economic, environmental, and social justice in cities. Next City’s civic-minded reporting makes urban places more effective, equitable and sustainable. We supply changemakers with information that fuels their fight for low-income neighborhoods. Because we focus the world’s attention on good ideas that we hope will grow, some label us as “solutions journalism.” For us, it’s just what we’ve always done since we were founded by three college students and their network of volunteers in 2003.

Emphasizing solutions, as we do at Next City, will give birth to more solutions. Research has found that when news stories discuss potential answers to problems, readers leave feeling more knowledgeable and empowered to solve them. Readers are statistically more likely to act, to donate to support an organization, and to evolve their opinion. Where solutions journalism is healthy, America has more informed and engaged communities. And when solutions are plentiful, so will our lives be in the city.

Next City publishes hundreds of stories on solutions to urban issues every year. We also compile our best reporting into ebooks, host webinars with practitioners who share lessons from their work, and convene live events such as our annual Vanguard Conference for rising urban leaders. More than 500 Vanguard alumni are working today around the globe.

Originally named The Next American City, the organization began publishing a quarterly magazine in 2003. What started as a black-and-white printed publication staffed by volunteers ultimately grew into a popular and influential magazine that reached 1 million people over the course of its 31 issues. Today, Next City is a trusted voice on urban policy, reaching more than 2 million influential doers and changemakers via Next City's website annually. Another 150,000 follow coverage on social media, and 50,000 subscribe to newsletters. All are in search of ways that cities can be reimagined as truly equitable and inclusive.

In an age when original, on-the-ground reporting is increasingly rare, we send our writers into urban communities to produce our award-winning fact-finding and storytelling. Next City is an independent, nonpartisan nonprofit that adheres to the Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics.

We are dedicated to producing journalism that is accurate, transparent, fair and impactful.

Next City is supported by a diversified business model that includes grant support from foundations, donations by individuals, corporate sponsorships or underwriting, advertising and events. Find more information on how to advertise with us in our media kit at nextcity.org/advertise. All underwritten or sponsored content is clearly and obviously labeled. We do not accept sponsorships, underwriting or ads from organizations that we believe could undermine our mission or integrity. We accept gifts, grants and sponsorships from individuals and organizations for the general support of our activities and to support coverage of particular topics, but our organization maintains editorial control of the coverage. Past and present supporters, including sustaining members, major donors and corporate sponsors, can be found at nextcity.org/supporters.

The newest information about what's happening at Next City can be found on our Press page. If you are interested in inviting Next City to join your next event or in booking a reporter as a guest, please reach out through [email protected].

Next City deeply appreciates its current funders: Surdna Foundation, The Kresge Foundation, Citi Community Development and National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), as well as our many other generous donors across the country. Support Next City’s work by making a 100% tax-deductible donation today at nextcity.org/membership.