New Yorker by way of Colorado, and happiest when telling stories of how we live in cities. My urbanism 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.
Today I am a regular contributor to Next City, with frequent contributions to publications like the Wall Street Journal and Curbed New York. My byline has 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 climate activist, through my work with Empowerment Avenue and Extinction Rebellion NYC. 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 