The Sidewalk Is Political: Rethinking Democracy Through Everyday Spaces

Wed., Oct. 14, 2026, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.



What can an ordinary sidewalk tell us about the way we govern, design, and share our communities?

Join us for a Community Conversation with Michael Pollack, author of Sidewalk Nation, as he examines the overlooked infrastructure that shapes everyday life. Drawing on stories from cities and towns across the United States, Pollack reveals how sidewalks sit at the center of debates about accessibility, public space, housing, free speech, public safety, and climate resilience.

Through a discussion of his new book, Pollack will explore why sidewalks deserve greater attention from policymakers, designers, and residents alike—and how rethinking these everyday spaces can help create stronger, more connected communities.

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

Online Location: harvard.zoom.us…
Gazette Classification: Art/Design, Classes/Workshops, Community, Diversity and Inclusion, Law, Lecture, Social Sciences
Organization/Sponsor: Office of Community, Impact, and Opportunity, Harvard University Graduate School of Design
Speaker(s): Michael Pollack, Professor of Law and Associate Dean for Faculty Development, Cardozo School of Law
Contact Info: [email protected]
Harvard Key Required: No
More info: harvard.zoom.us…