Without doubt, cities are at the epicentre of the coronavirus pandemic. This urban focus has redoubled acute inequalities of cities as groups are affected unequally, particularly vulnerable and marginalised communities. The shift to reopening, moreover, is overwhelmed by uncertainty and complexity as the very notion of a collective urban future seems to weigh in the balance.
In our latest ebook, Coronavirus and Engaging Cities: Towards Community Recovery, urban scholar Shauna Brail, PhD, draws together common challenges facing cities across the globe and urban-level approaches that characterise municipal responses to rebuilding communities beyond the pandemic.
Crucial is Brail’s attention to the role of municipal governments. From appraising the rapid municipal-led responses to the pandemic – from early recognition of housing security to safeguarding local business revenue – to rethinking the prioritisation of the public realm, she highlights the potential of positive change to reimagine an urban future that provides for marginalised and other equity-seeking groups. Expanding on opportunities for community recovery in four key areas – mobility, housing and food security, local business and public realm – she charts the move from lockdown to reopening and highlights areas for ongoing public engagement.
While it is too soon to understand the full impact of the pandemic, providing a lens on pathways to local recovery, Brail gives insight into collective challenges and the generational opportunity to reimagine our future cities.
