Atlanta Urbanist Book Group
A Better Atlanta, One Book at a Time
Our mission at the Atlanta Urbanist Book Group is to introduce new ideas to Urban Atlanta by reading recent books about cities, identifying the ideas we think would work in Atlanta, and offering civic leaders a guide to these ideas.
We define “urbanism” broadly. We are reading books about transportation, land use, housing, public safety, government reform, neighborhoods, social infrastructure, education, economic development, regionalism, diversity, politics, arts and culture, volunteerism, and more.
Our aim isn’t to review books but to show how their ideas apply to Atlanta today and suggest ways of moving from good ideas to good actions.
Interested? Like to join us for a discussion? Click here to sign up for our email notices about books and meeting dates.
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Next Book: Urbanism Without Effort: Reconnecting with First Principles of the City
Feb 4, 2026
We will discuss a book that cautions urbanists not to get carried away by urban design concepts and public policies. It’s because, the book warns, while mixed uses, transit-oriented design and bike lanes may be helpful and even necessary, they aren’t sufficient to make cities come to life. What is needed? Basically, the unplanned parts of cities, the author argues.
Charles R. Wolfe is an attorney, consultant and college lecturer who lives in Seattle and London.
In our discussion, we will look for lessons for Urban Atlanta.