#23: Night Train Comfort, Solar Apartheid, and Interactive Urban Museums
Welcome to the 23rd issue of Urbanism Now, our weekly newsletter curated with brief and insightful urban ideas from around the world to inspire action where you (c)are.
This newsletter is curated by Maria Paula Moreno Vivas and Ray Berger. Learn more on our About page.
Thank you for your interest and support. If you find this newsletter useful, please forward it to a friend!
Let's get started:
Luna Rail is developing new train car layouts to create more private, comfortable night train cabins.
Calgary removed water fluoridation in 2011, a move that led to worse dental health for children and a new $20 million project to reinstate it following a multi-year citizen campaign.
A new World Bank publication on Bogotá's century-long use of a betterment levy to fund transport projects offers 10 actionable lessons on land-value capture.
Politics and Urban Governance Research examines how South Africa's private solar boom creates "climate apartheid" where wealthy households protect themselves from power cuts while undermining affordable energy for the poor.
Next City explores how museums like New York Hall of Science's CityWorks exhibit are teaching residents about urban infrastructure through interactive displays, helping communities understand and shape planning decisions.
Mark Brennan, Justin Steil, and Yunah Freemark research reveal how pedestrian and cycling injuries create major health disparities with over 90% people of color experiencing 4 times more pedestrian injuries than in predominantly white areas.
Videos, podcasts, books, and socials:
Thomas Aguilera, Francesca Artioli, and Claire Colomb's new book "Housing Under Platform Capitalism" explores how European cities tackle Airbnb's housing impact, from embracing the market to fighting for local communities.
Jobs:
House of Commons is hiring a senior researcher (transport) to provide accurate, impartial research and briefings on UK transport law and policy for Members of Parliament. £56k - £66k salary. Apply by June 25.
Politics and Urban Governance invites early career scholars from African institutions working on Just Urban Transitions to join a year-long funded programme. July 4.
NACTO is hiring a program associate, engagement to support membership logistics and engagement, including events. $66k - $74k salary. Apply by July 7.
GovAI seeks Winter Fellows for a three-month research program in London, offering £11,000 stipend to early-career professionals interested in AI governance, with applications due by July 13.
Results for America's What Works Cities initiative seeks an associate director, curriculum design & management to develop learning programs helping city governments use data and evidence for better resident outcomes. $114k - $147k salary.
The Urban Studies Foundation is recruiting new Trustees to serve on its Board, with start dates throughout 2026. Trustees may be based anywhere worldwide, the position is unremunerated but covers reasonable expenses. August 8.
Events and deadlines:
The Walter & Elise Haas Fund launched the $12.5 million WE Initiative in the Bay Area to provide multi-year funding to 25 organizations fostering social cohesion and belonging. Eligible non-profits can receive $100,000 annually for five years. LOI deadline June 27.
“Introducing NY Open Data: A Workshop with NYC Council District 6” is a free online workshop hosted by BetaNYC. June 27.
The Urban Studies Foundation offers fully-funded 3-9 month sabbatical research fellowships for urban scholars from the Global South. Apply by July 16.
UCL Urban Lab celebrates 20 years with "Doing Otherwise," bringing together feminist scholars to explore how critical urban research navigates power, positionality, and activist spaces in contested cities. July 22.
A five-day program in Barcelona will explore how the city uses art and culture for urban regeneration and public space development, featuring site visits and discussions for urban professionals. Sept. 21-26. (Submitted by Meg)
EIT Urban Mobility offers a free online course on Superblocks, available until December 2025, teaching how this Barcelona-born strategy transforms cities by prioritizing people over cars.
A five-day leadership program in Amsterdam teaches community engagement strategies to navigate resistance and implement changes like cycling infrastructure and public space reclamation, using real-world case studies and practice on city streets. April 20 - 24, 2026.
What did you love? What did we miss? Let us know in the comments below.
As always, please share with a friend!
Sleeping Car in Train. Source: Alexander Popovkin