We're collectively experiencing an epochal moment when humanity and the earth face unprecedented existential challenges. How can we value what matters for the common good and transcend dominant city-making paradigms in this context?

A sacred civics invites us to recognize the spiritual and sacred dimensions in people and cities and to imagine reshaping our settlements as life-centered places, where local residents build regenerative economies in relationship with nature, and where we rise to be our best selves, for the good of current and future generations. How might we redefine and build infrastructure for an urban recovery that addresses the reality and possibilities?

Dr. Jayne Engle leads Cities for People, an initiative of the McConnell Foundation in Montreal, Canada, which fosters inclusive urban innovation for equitable and regenerative cities. Cities for People aims to increase equality; strengthen the city as a commons; and enable city change labs, explorations and transformation networks.