We recently had the opportunity to meet with Jonathan Bowles, Executive Director of the Center for an Urban Future (CUF). It was an eye-opening and important conversation. Jonathan described his vision for a “City of Yes”—a place where innovation, opportunity, and inclusivity are central to everything we do by creating affordable housing for many. 

One very important moment in the conversation was when Jonathan gave us a brief explanation of how the City Council operates. He explained how decisions are made and how vital it is for local leaders to listen to the concerns of their communities. It made us understand how important it is to be involved in local politics if we want to see genuine change.

Jonathan’s thoughts were not just about problems but also about genuine, practical solutions to improve the city for everyone. After leaving, I felt a bit more optimistic about the prospects and appreciative of the opportunity to learn from his vision for a better community.