Can the very thing that plagues a city also be the solution to its problems? Steven Johnson may have that answer. He is the author of the new book The Ghost Map that details the mystery of the Broad Street cholera outbreak in London in September of 1854. Steven writes The Urban Planet blog for the New York Times where he explores the most interesting questions about cities.

Also with us is Jacky Grimshaw. Jacky works with the Center for Neighborhood Technology in Chicago where she directs the center's transportation and air quality program and is responsible for the center's research efforts, computer modeling programs, and community development activities. Jacky has extensive experience developing consensus in support of less-polluting transportation options and initiating programs that assist the revitalization of inner-city neighborhoods.

Finding remedies to what ails cities, this week on Smart City.