Sidewalk Nation

As mayor, I saw firsthand how much of civic life happens on the sidewalk–from neighbors connecting with one another to protests demanding justice. In Sidewalk Nation, Michael Pollack captures that truth beautifully, showing how something as ordinary as a stretch of pavement holds the power to transform a community. A must-read for anyone who cares about how cities really work.–Svante Myrick, former mayor of Ithaca, NYSidewalk Nation delivers a brilliant and engaging exploration of the astonishingly important–yet too often ignored–infrastructure under our feet. Combining an immersive guided tour with a rich conceptual analysis, Michael Pollack reveals sidewalks to be versatile platforms for transit, speech, play, and connection, as well as vulnerable, contested sites that raise a wide range of legal and policy issues. This fascinating book will transform how we think about the sidewalks interwoven into our lives and spark interest in making these essential resources work better.–Lee Anne Fennell, author of The Unbounded HomeSidewalk Nation is a brilliant feat of legal imagination. And it’s a great read. From outdoor dining and public protest to policing and snow removal, Michael Pollack shows how sidewalks are vital arenas where rights and regulation are contested. As he makes clear, sidewalks matter far more for urban governance than we imagine. This is essential reading for anyone who cares about property and democracy, with an urgent and achievable vision for reform.–Michael A. Heller, coauthor of Mine!: How the Hidden Rules of Ownership Control Our Lives

Michael Pollack is Professor of Law and Associate Dean for Faculty Development at the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law.