With its mission of using solutions journalism to advance equity in cities in mind, Next City’s board of directors voted unanimously to welcome two new members — Mauricio Andrés Garcia and Courtney R. Snowden.
“I’m excited to welcome Courtney and Mauricio to the board. Both have strong experience working on programs and partnerships at a national level. Their insight will help Next City strengthen its operational and programmatic impact,” says board chair Eric Shaw.
Next City, a nonprofit news organization, is in its 20th year of publishing journalism that amplifies solutions to the problems that oppress people in cities. With its stories and events, Next City provides city-builders and changemakers with information that fuels the fight for economic, social and environmental justice.
For nearly two decades, Garcia has worked at the intersection of civil society, government, and the private sector to strengthen our communities and strive for social and economic justice. He currently serves as the senior vice president for Programs at UnidosUS, the nation’s largest Latino civil rights and advocacy organization.
Garcia has also held leadership positions at Friends of the High Line, Cities of Service (an initiative of the Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation), Seedco, Change Machine, and LISC.
“I’ve been a fan and avid reader of Next City for years and counted on them as a trusted source of news, ideas, and inspiration,” Garcia says. “I could not be more thrilled and honored to join the board of Next City and help advance their critical mission of amplifying solutions to reimagine our cities as places of economic, environmental and racial justice.
Courtney R. Snowden is the founder and president of The Blueprint Strategy Group, a boutique government and public affairs firm. A sixth-generation, she previously served her hometown as the Deputy Mayor for Greater Economic Opportunity in Washington D.C., appointed by Mayor Muriel Bowser.
Snowden has worked with various corporate and nonprofit clients including Google, Mastercard, and the National Urban League and the National Education Association, and chaired the National Coalition for Public Education.
“As the politics and the news of the day gets more polarized, it is critical that thought leaders, elected officials, and people who care about how to make cities work efficiently and effectively have a trusted and unbiased news source. That’s why I am so honored to lend my time and expertise to the amazing work of Next City,” Snowden says. “I am honored to support the work of the immensely talented team at Next City, roll up my sleeves, and get to work.”
Next City publishes hundreds of stories each year on how urbanism can make cities more equitable. The outlet also compiles its best reporting into ebooks, hosts webinars with practitioners who share lessons from their work and convenes live events such as the annual Vanguard Conference for rising urban leaders. More than 500 Vanguard alumni are working today around the globe. Originally named The Next American City, the organization began publishing a quarterly magazine in 2003. What started as a black-and-white printed publication staffed by volunteers ultimately grew into a popular and influential magazine that reached 1 million people over the course of its 31 issues.
Today, Next City is a trusted voice on urban policy, reaching more than 2 million influential doers and changemakers via Next City’s website annually. Another 150,000 follow coverage on social media, and 50,000 subscribe to newsletters. All are searching for ways that cities can be reimagined as truly equitable and inclusive.
As a nonprofit, Next City depends on financial support from thousands of donations each year, plus the backing of partners such as the Surdna Foundation, The Kresge Foundation, Mellon Foundation and more. For a complete list, please visit nextcity.org/supporters. To make a donation, please visit nextcity.org/membership.
Never Miss A StoryDownload our app