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Errol Louis, Harry Siegel and Vishaan Chakrabarti Join Vital City as Contributing Writers

May 3, 2023

May 3, 2023

Media Contact: 

Anna Durrett: adurrett@vitalcitynyc.org

Errol Louis, Harry Siegel and Vishaan Chakrabarti Join Vital City as Contributing Writers

NEW YORK, NY: Vital City, the new journal and website dedicated to leading civil conversations on public safety and civic well-being in New York City, today announced Errol Louis, Harry Siegel and Vishaan Chakrabarti will be joining as contributing writers. Contributing writers will author several pieces over the course of the year, publishing articles for Vital City online and in print. 

“Errol, Harry and Vishaan bring immense experience, perspective and nuance to their writing and reporting. Each has a profound love for and engagement with New Yorkers and the city. It is an honor to have them be part of Vital City and we look forward to their thoughtful and sometimes provocative takes on urban issues,” said Vital City founder Elizabeth Glazer.

Louis is the political anchor of Spectrum News NY1, where he hosts "Inside City Hall," a nightly prime-time show that focuses on New York politics. He is also a CNN Political Commentator, New York Magazine columnist and Director of Urban Reporting at the CUNY Graduate School of Journalism. He has already written pieces for Vital City, including “The Unwritten Rules” and “The Reforms That Failed to Save Tyre Nichols’ Life.” 

Harry Siegel is a senior editor at The City, the co-host of its FAQ.NYC podcast and a columnist at the New York Daily News

Vishaan Chakrabarti is an architect, urbanist and author based in New York City. He is the founder and creative director of PAU | Practice for Architecture and Urbanism. Chakrabarti’s forthcoming book, “The Architecture of Urbanity,” will be published by Princeton University Press in 2024. He is also the author of “A Country of Cities: A Manifesto for an Urban America.” Chakrabarti has contributed several pieces to Vital City, including “The Power, Woker” and “The City is My Lover,” along with his contribution to our recent informal survey on urban vitality. 

“Vital City was created with the belief that evidence, optimism and civil discourse are vital to the future of cities. For decades, each of these individuals has devoted their careers to embracing this belief, and sharing it through their work. We are grateful that Errol, Harry and Vishaan will be joining us to and contributing compelling pieces for our readers,” said founding co-editor Greg Berman

“These three writers will offer readers timely and original commentary on the things that matter most to New York. We’re excited about bringing them into the fold,” said managing editor Josh Greenman

Vital City has released three print issues focused on gun violence, disorder and the power of place, and regularly publishes articles online and updates its data hub on topics critical to the public safety of the city.

About Vital City

Vital City offers actionable strategies to build thriving cities. We believe that durable safety comes from civic well-being — decent schools, housing and jobs, active and inviting public spaces, prospering local businesses and vibrant local culture. Through a policy journal, special reports, data analysis and more, Vital City provides a broad range of creative and practical ideas for achieving and maintaining public safety. Our work is motivated by our love for New York City, our belief in the power of evidence and our optimism about the future of cities. Vital City is currently in residence at Columbia Law School.