The Sidewalk Ballet Field Guide

The Sidewalk Ballet Field Guide is a growing collection of people, organizations, projects, books, ideas and ongoing conversations about cities and the people who shape them. It grows out of the podcast, but extends well beyond it—connecting the people doing the work, the places where it’s happening, and the ideas, experiments and resources worth carrying forward. Think of it as part reference library, part trail of breadcrumbs: a way to follow the conversation wherever it leads.

Explore by type, browse alphabetically or by date, or search for something specific. Follow the tags to discover connections—or explore the map to see where the people, projects and ideas in the Field Guide take us.

Chip Chip 9/14/26 Chip Chip 9/14/26

Zohran Mamdani

Zohran Mamdani is the Mayor of New York City. His administration has experimented with bringing organizing directly into city government, including the creation of the Mayor’s Office of Mass Engagement to expand the ways New Yorkers participate in shaping public decisions.

Chip Chip 9/6/26 Chip Chip 9/6/26

School of Cities

The School of Cities is a unique multidisciplinary hub for urban research, education, and engagement creating new and just ways for cities and their residents to thrive. Based at the University of Toronto and in a fast-growing, culturally diverse, and economically dynamic urban region, the School of Cities supports leading scholars, practitioners, and community members spanning disciplines and lived experiences to co-create new understandings, policies, and practices.

Chip Chip 9/3/26 Chip Chip 9/3/26

Times Square Alliance

The Times Square Alliance works to improve and promote Times Square, one of the world’s most recognizable urban districts. The organization manages public spaces, provides sanitation and public-safety services, supports businesses, produces events and public art, and advocates for the continued vitality of Times Square as a place for New Yorkers, workers, performers, and visitors from around the world.

Chip Chip 6/30/26 Chip Chip 6/30/26

Michael Edwards

Michael Edwards led the Chicago Loop Alliance from November 2012 to March 2026. The Chicago 'Loop' is America's iconic downtown. Chicago Loop Alliance creates, manages and promotes high performing urban experiences attracting people and investment. Critical accomplishments include a (2) new 5 year strategic action plans, comprehensive street team program, activation of under-performing public spaces, post pandemic Sundays on State and a renewed leadership role in Chicago.