Too often, people feel checked out of politics — even at the level of their own city. But urban activist Alessandra Orofino thinks that can change, using a mix of tech and old-fashioned human connection. Sharing examples from her hometown of Rio, she says: "It is up to us to decide whether we want schools or parking lots, recycling projects or construction sites, cars or buses, loneliness or solidarity."

It’s our city. Let’s fix it

Cities drive most of the world’s energy use and emissions, yet civic engagement in urban politics is at historic lows. In some US cities, just five percent of residents vote for their mayor, while inequality and a lack of public space threaten happiness and trust. Meaningful change requires citizens to move beyond voting every few years and instead take direct action on local decisions. Examples from Rio show how technology and collective organizing can help ordinary people protect schools, solve missing persons cases, and reclaim their neighborhoods.