A New Yorker — by way of Colorado — who’s had a rewarding and unexpected career grounded by my love of writing. My urbanism reporting focus took root in NYC, working as blogger, reporter and community board-attender for Brownstoner, followed by editing and writing for now-defunct Brownstoner Queens. I began my freelance reporting career in 2015.
For many years I was a regular contributor with Next City, with frequent contributions to publications like the Wall Street Journal and Curbed New York. My byline also appeared in the Atlantic, New York Magazine, Entrepreneur, the Guardian, Village Voice, New York Post and CityLab, among other publications.
I am an abolitionist and my activism has been strengthened through my work with incarcerated writers. I do not believe that journalism and activism are mutually exclusive — journalists must actively work to help build a more equitable, just and sustainable world.
All photos taken by my friend, journalist and photographer Roland Li.
Emily Nonko writes 