After decades of decline, many older U.S. cities are enjoying a surprising resurgence.

Kyong Park is the founder and director of the International Center for Urban Ecology, a nomadic laboratory for future cities, based in Detroit and New York. He was also the founder of Storefront for Art and Architecture, an experimental forum and exhibition space in New York. His most current project is acting as co-curator ofÊ'Project Shrinking Cities,'Êa project that examines the phenomena of depopulation in four developed cities around the world, mapping and critiquing the patterns of exodus, their socio-cultural impetus and impact, and the derelict land left behind. Kyongs current home is Detroit, and he is finding new signs of life in once abandoned neighborhoods.

Kristin OConnor and Lucy Meade are working in Richmond to bring new vitality to that citys downtown. Kristin has organized a unique coalition of 20 businesses in the creative industries and located them in shared space in Shockoe Bottom, one of downtowns historic districts. Lucy is director of business development forÊRichmond Renaissance, an organization working to bring greater vitality to the Richmond community, particularly downtown, through economic development.