About the book

From Island Press:

“With over 80 percent of Americans now living in cities and suburbs, getting our communities right has never been more important, more complicated, or more fascinating. Longtime sustainability leader Kaid Benfield shares 25 enlightening and entertaining essays about the wondrous ecology of human settlement, and how to make it better for both people and the planet.

People Habitat explores topics as diverse as “green” housing developments that are no such thing, the tricky matter of gentrifying inner cities, why people don’t walk much anymore, and the relationship between cities and religion.  Written with intellect, insight, and from-the-heart candor, each real-world story in People Habitat will make you see our communities in a new light.”

“These 25 essays are not just about cities; they are about making sense of the way we live.”

~ Lloyd Alter, architect and author, Living the 1.5 Degree Lifestyle, on Treehugger.com

“One of America’s best urban thinkers”

~ Mariia Zimmerman, urban strategist and former deputy director for sustainable communities, US Department of Housing and Urban Development, on MZStrategies.com