Blair Lorenzo / The Fox and the City
@thefoxandthecity.com
The world-famous urban theorist who…wait, this has to be honest‽
Independent Professional Urbanist and Writer, creating in-depth critiques of urban spaces, places, & systems.
My work:
thefoxandthecity.com
Also ED @etany.org
She/her
Independent Professional Urbanist and Writer, creating in-depth critiques of urban spaces, places, & systems.
My work:
thefoxandthecity.com
Also ED @etany.org
She/her
Pinned
Urbanism as a Field of Study | The Fox and the City
For all the attention urbanism has gotten over recent years, the study of cities for their own sake has often languished—and might even risk being defined out of existence. With apologies to Louis Wir...
tinyurl.com
For all the attention urbanism has gotten in recent years, urbanism as a field of study has often languished.
In my latest essay, I seek to define urbanism, explore what makes it different, and correct misconceptions about what it's not.
thefoxandthecity.com/articles/urb...
In my latest essay, I seek to define urbanism, explore what makes it different, and correct misconceptions about what it's not.
thefoxandthecity.com/articles/urb...
This is the quality content Bluesky needs.
(I don't even think I'm joking. I'm weird.)
(I don't even think I'm joking. I'm weird.)
The worlds tallest freestanding diaper change. Federal jurisdiction (Canada Lands Company)
January 5, 2026 at 1:58 AM
This is the quality content Bluesky needs.
(I don't even think I'm joking. I'm weird.)
(I don't even think I'm joking. I'm weird.)
Canada's large, incorporated cities are a good warning for those who view metropolitan consolidation as a panacea for urban government.
It's not that consolidation is a bad idea—and we've all seen the what urban fragmentation can do—but it brings problems all its own.
It's not that consolidation is a bad idea—and we've all seen the what urban fragmentation can do—but it brings problems all its own.
Nods in #OttCity 16-9 vote splits. Reminder that inside greenbelt is 13% of land, +50% of tax revenue and 50% of population yet routinely outvoted and underfunded; last new community centre was more than 20y ago despite overwhelming urban growth, DC funding charges etc
January 4, 2026 at 5:44 PM
Canada's large, incorporated cities are a good warning for those who view metropolitan consolidation as a panacea for urban government.
It's not that consolidation is a bad idea—and we've all seen the what urban fragmentation can do—but it brings problems all its own.
It's not that consolidation is a bad idea—and we've all seen the what urban fragmentation can do—but it brings problems all its own.
So, that's a new one: my 5AM flight ended up cancelled this morning because the heat they were running overnight ended up filling the cabin with fumes, and after trying to clear it out, two of the crew had to be sent to the hospital (!)*.
Not a good past month or so for my travels on Air Canada.
Not a good past month or so for my travels on Air Canada.
January 4, 2026 at 5:41 PM
So, that's a new one: my 5AM flight ended up cancelled this morning because the heat they were running overnight ended up filling the cabin with fumes, and after trying to clear it out, two of the crew had to be sent to the hospital (!)*.
Not a good past month or so for my travels on Air Canada.
Not a good past month or so for my travels on Air Canada.
This is a tremendous point.
Only ten or so years ago, buses could be a huge usability challenge for new riders. Routes weren't clear, vehicle arrivals were unpredictable, and even knowing where to get off if you weren't a regular rider was surprisingly difficult.
Only ten or so years ago, buses could be a huge usability challenge for new riders. Routes weren't clear, vehicle arrivals were unpredictable, and even knowing where to get off if you weren't a regular rider was surprisingly difficult.
One thing I wrote about here is how technology has made buses *way* more convenient while techno-futurists were obsessed with flying taxis and self-driving cars.
January 2, 2026 at 3:11 PM
This is a tremendous point.
Only ten or so years ago, buses could be a huge usability challenge for new riders. Routes weren't clear, vehicle arrivals were unpredictable, and even knowing where to get off if you weren't a regular rider was surprisingly difficult.
Only ten or so years ago, buses could be a huge usability challenge for new riders. Routes weren't clear, vehicle arrivals were unpredictable, and even knowing where to get off if you weren't a regular rider was surprisingly difficult.
Well said.
The imagery of the event was just perfect, from the gorgeous arch of old City Hall station to the people on the podium.
Let's hope this is the start of something good for New York.
The imagery of the event was just perfect, from the gorgeous arch of old City Hall station to the people on the podium.
Let's hope this is the start of something good for New York.
January 1, 2026 at 3:36 PM
Well said.
The imagery of the event was just perfect, from the gorgeous arch of old City Hall station to the people on the podium.
Let's hope this is the start of something good for New York.
The imagery of the event was just perfect, from the gorgeous arch of old City Hall station to the people on the podium.
Let's hope this is the start of something good for New York.
Happy New Year from Atlantic Time!
I hope it can only be better than 2025.
(Picture taken earlier today)
I hope it can only be better than 2025.
(Picture taken earlier today)
January 1, 2026 at 4:00 AM
Happy New Year from Atlantic Time!
I hope it can only be better than 2025.
(Picture taken earlier today)
I hope it can only be better than 2025.
(Picture taken earlier today)
Post a transit selfie from 2025
(Okay, it's not a selfie, but how could I resist?)
(Okay, it's not a selfie, but how could I resist?)
January 1, 2026 at 12:47 AM
Post a transit selfie from 2025
(Okay, it's not a selfie, but how could I resist?)
(Okay, it's not a selfie, but how could I resist?)
I do find it funny that for all the success we've had at @etany.org, and for all my own writing, I'm mainly known as a minor character in the extended universe of a minor YouTuber.
And you know what? I wouldn't have it any other way.
Congrats /, @milesintransit.com!
And you know what? I wouldn't have it any other way.
Congrats /, @milesintransit.com!
Two New York Times journalists joined Miles Taylor, a YouTuber and transport enthusiast, on a daylong journey across New York City area buses and trains before sale of the MetroCard ends on December 31.
To Say Goodbye to the MetroCard, We Spent a Day Riding Every Transit System That Uses It
Two Times journalists joined Miles Taylor, a YouTuber and transport enthusiast, on a daylong journey across New York City area buses and trains before sale of the card ends on Dec. 31.
nyti.ms
December 31, 2025 at 8:15 PM
I do find it funny that for all the success we've had at @etany.org, and for all my own writing, I'm mainly known as a minor character in the extended universe of a minor YouTuber.
And you know what? I wouldn't have it any other way.
Congrats /, @milesintransit.com!
And you know what? I wouldn't have it any other way.
Congrats /, @milesintransit.com!
You see, @stephenjacobsmith.com, the reason our elevators cost so much more in North America must be because we outlawed pay elevators, like toilets.
Got an Airbnb on the 7th floor.
Seemed a good find until I discovered Italy's latest obstacle to cause maximum inconvenience for next to no return...
- 10c to use the lift!! Who's got 10c coins??
Seemed a good find until I discovered Italy's latest obstacle to cause maximum inconvenience for next to no return...
- 10c to use the lift!! Who's got 10c coins??
December 31, 2025 at 8:11 PM
You see, @stephenjacobsmith.com, the reason our elevators cost so much more in North America must be because we outlawed pay elevators, like toilets.
Great MetroCard thread.
Being able to hold on to your card through the entire process was a huge win for rider experience.
Being able to hold on to your card through the entire process was a huge win for rider experience.
Social media isn't a great place for nuance or context, but despite that I want to take a moment today to talk about some of the things that made the MetroCard special in its day.
December 31, 2025 at 7:47 PM
Great MetroCard thread.
Being able to hold on to your card through the entire process was a huge win for rider experience.
Being able to hold on to your card through the entire process was a huge win for rider experience.
I've missed the actual winter.
December 31, 2025 at 5:28 PM
I've missed the actual winter.
I want to echo this. I see so many who I can't help but feel are negatively polarized by the worst "nothing should ever change takes!"
But it's healthy to have some romantic feelings about the passing of something so iconic to the city, even if it's being replaced by something better.
It's human.
But it's healthy to have some romantic feelings about the passing of something so iconic to the city, even if it's being replaced by something better.
It's human.
I’m seeing some anti-nostalgia on the timeline, but I think it’s OK for people to be sad that something that’s been part of their lives for, in many cases like me, decades is going away. That’s not the same as opposing necessary change—you can be sad while still understanding it’s good overall!
December 31, 2025 at 4:11 PM
I want to echo this. I see so many who I can't help but feel are negatively polarized by the worst "nothing should ever change takes!"
But it's healthy to have some romantic feelings about the passing of something so iconic to the city, even if it's being replaced by something better.
It's human.
But it's healthy to have some romantic feelings about the passing of something so iconic to the city, even if it's being replaced by something better.
It's human.
When even the unsigned editorials of a once-great paper are now thinly-concieved rage bait, it becomes hard to doubt that we're living in hell.
December 31, 2025 at 2:52 PM
When even the unsigned editorials of a once-great paper are now thinly-concieved rage bait, it becomes hard to doubt that we're living in hell.
I know how much sprinklers cost to add to apartment buildings.
I can only imagine how much they add to the cost of a subway tunnel...
I can only imagine how much they add to the cost of a subway tunnel...
December 31, 2025 at 2:03 AM
I know how much sprinklers cost to add to apartment buildings.
I can only imagine how much they add to the cost of a subway tunnel...
I can only imagine how much they add to the cost of a subway tunnel...
So uh, my partner's parents got me a gift, and am I really that predictable?
(Yes, I am, and I love it)
(Yes, I am, and I love it)
December 31, 2025 at 2:00 AM
So uh, my partner's parents got me a gift, and am I really that predictable?
(Yes, I am, and I love it)
(Yes, I am, and I love it)
Just passing through.
December 30, 2025 at 6:59 PM
Just passing through.
Pretty meh day, but gorgeous sunset.
December 29, 2025 at 9:56 PM
Pretty meh day, but gorgeous sunset.
Holy crap! From the short list of things I would do if I were mayor...
December 29, 2025 at 5:43 PM
Holy crap! From the short list of things I would do if I were mayor...
C'mon, Air Canada, can I have one trip without an ulcer? As a treat for the end of the year?
December 29, 2025 at 5:36 PM
C'mon, Air Canada, can I have one trip without an ulcer? As a treat for the end of the year?
Does someone at LADOT have a family member running a concrete contractor?
Yes, the city needs to actually repave streets. Yes, the city needs to repair sidewalks. Yes, the city needs to install curb ramps.
But the bigger problem is that when LA decides to do anything at all to "help" pedestrians, the result looks like this complete and utter bullshit
But the bigger problem is that when LA decides to do anything at all to "help" pedestrians, the result looks like this complete and utter bullshit
December 29, 2025 at 5:31 PM
Does someone at LADOT have a family member running a concrete contractor?
I got interested in Italian DOPs and thus TIL that pecorino romano is far older than I would've guessed.
Which makes sense: it is objectively one of the best cheeses.
Which makes sense: it is objectively one of the best cheeses.
December 28, 2025 at 9:54 PM
I got interested in Italian DOPs and thus TIL that pecorino romano is far older than I would've guessed.
Which makes sense: it is objectively one of the best cheeses.
Which makes sense: it is objectively one of the best cheeses.
This actually touches on one of those fascinating discussions in what I'll label "macro-urbanism:"
Some hold it's best to redistribute against agglomeration economies, making sure different places share the wealth.
Others would argue you have to let the agglomeration cook to maximize its benefits.
Some hold it's best to redistribute against agglomeration economies, making sure different places share the wealth.
Others would argue you have to let the agglomeration cook to maximize its benefits.
my latest thesis is that the neo-brandesians hate cities because they view the density of cities as a form of geospatial monopoly.
yes, I know this makes zero sense on a policy level, but I’m just trying to deduce why a movement allegedly devoted to trust busting is obsessed with fighting YIMBYs
yes, I know this makes zero sense on a policy level, but I’m just trying to deduce why a movement allegedly devoted to trust busting is obsessed with fighting YIMBYs
December 28, 2025 at 8:57 PM
This actually touches on one of those fascinating discussions in what I'll label "macro-urbanism:"
Some hold it's best to redistribute against agglomeration economies, making sure different places share the wealth.
Others would argue you have to let the agglomeration cook to maximize its benefits.
Some hold it's best to redistribute against agglomeration economies, making sure different places share the wealth.
Others would argue you have to let the agglomeration cook to maximize its benefits.
Reposted by Blair Lorenzo / The Fox and the City
“By reading this plaque, you have made a valuable addition to the number of people who have read this plaque” … an important heritage moment on the streets of Toronto (by artist Sarah Lazarovic).
December 27, 2025 at 1:01 PM
“By reading this plaque, you have made a valuable addition to the number of people who have read this plaque” … an important heritage moment on the streets of Toronto (by artist Sarah Lazarovic).
Watching old MotorWeek reviews (shut up I don't judge your hobbies) and came across this telling line about the 1982 Plymouth Horizon TC3 Miser (what a name!):
"And guaranteed to let you continue to live in the suburbs without crying all the way to the gas pump."
www.youtube.com/watch?v=qr_J...
"And guaranteed to let you continue to live in the suburbs without crying all the way to the gas pump."
www.youtube.com/watch?v=qr_J...
Retro Review: 1982 Plymouth Horizon TC3 Miser
YouTube video by MotorWeek
www.youtube.com
December 27, 2025 at 9:54 PM
Watching old MotorWeek reviews (shut up I don't judge your hobbies) and came across this telling line about the 1982 Plymouth Horizon TC3 Miser (what a name!):
"And guaranteed to let you continue to live in the suburbs without crying all the way to the gas pump."
www.youtube.com/watch?v=qr_J...
"And guaranteed to let you continue to live in the suburbs without crying all the way to the gas pump."
www.youtube.com/watch?v=qr_J...