Co-creating the future of cities.

Cities Reimagined helps leaders diagnose and solve problems in urban places. Our work is focused on addressing systemic challenges in mid-size cities that prevent economic growth, social mobility, and human connection.

Services

  • Diagnose a problem and develop a brief.

    Using a mix of analytical tools and discussions with subject matter experts, we dive deep to diagnose the problem you are working to solve. Once we’ve identified the problem, we work closely with you to develop a concise brief that outlines practical steps forward.

  • Perform intensive research and brainstorm solutions.

    Research and insight gathering allows us to deeply understand the people we are designing for. During this phase, we conduct user interviews, observation sessions, and facilitate workshops to capture user ideas and feedback. This approach provides detailed insights into their needs and challenges, guiding the development of innovative and user-centered solutions.

  • Develop a prototype and build a coalition.

    Prototyping turns innovative ideas into tangible models, allowing us to test and iterate on concepts in real-time. Through sketches, digital models, or functional mock-ups, we rapidly refine concepts based on real user feedback. This approach ensures the final product is designed to meet user needs and exceed expectations.

  • Pilot the solution and document findings.

    Pilots allow us to test a solution on a small scale before full launch. We design and manage a pilot program, carefully selecting a representative group of end users to test the product. We gather data on performance, functionality, and user satisfaction. Using this data, we make adjustments to the solution to improve performance and better meet the needs of users.

  • Half Day + Full Day Group Facilitation

    Our team of certified facilitators run engaging workshops, planning meetings, and retreats, all tailored to your organization’s unique needs. We work with you to set clear goals and make sure every activity moves you closer to achieving them. Whether you’re looking to spark new ideas, strengthen your team, or set a clear direction, we’re here to make it happen in a straightforward, supportive way.

“The Cities Reimagined team is everything you want in a working partner: empathetic, meticulous, and confident. We brought Alex in to facilitate a group of 140 cross-industry leaders. From the beginning, they understood the complexity of the stakeholders and guided the room in co-creating and collaboration. However, the most important aspect of Cities Reimagined is my complete trust in them as a team. Hard to find and they bring it every time.”

Kelly Kang, Song Foundation

“This was a watershed moment for our team. We have never worked with outside facilitators, and several team members opened up lines of communication, gained a better understanding of each other, and emerged as leaders.”

Mark Wallace, Detroit Riverfront Conservancy

Mark Wallace of

“You have helped PAL so much with your belief in our passionate staff and the narrative you helped us create from our experience.”

Fred Hunter, Detroit PAL

Our Clients

Vision

We imagine a future that is thoughtfully and courageously co-designed to center the human experience.

Contact Us

Whether you’re in the beginning stages of thinking about what you need or are ready to start the work, we would love to chat with you about your project.

Urban Issue(s)

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Cities Reimagined on Instagram

We're back! Come join us for a fun and informative walk through the city with Cities Reimagined's founder Alex Johnston and Dreamtroit co-founder and co-owner Matt Naimi. This is a great opportunity to explore Detroit through the eyes of our urbanis
Investing in parks and green spaces isn't just about beautification—it's about improving mental health and fostering community well-being. We believe in prioritizing public places as vital assets for our cities!
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Today we’re revisiting Urban Issue(s) 212 + The 2030 Problem: A Looming Crisis Learn about the impending care gap facing millions of baby boomers as they age. Discover how cities can prepare for this challenge and ensure compassionate care for
Ask meaningful questions, uncover key insights, and have deep conversations with the people you’re designing for. We developed this list of interview prompts based on hundreds of hours of user research — these prompts are guaranteed to gi
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Mari joined Cities Reimagined with more than 15 years of experience in administrative support and project management in the banking industry. A master multitasker and lover of details, as our Chief of Staff, she plays a central role in strategizing,
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Effective solutions begin with accurately identifying the problem. Thou shalt not solve problems that do not exist! Picture a world where pain points are understood and user needs take center stage. We always start with a clear and compelling problem
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Embrace community-driven evolution. Focus on the power of collective creation. In our cities, diversity thrives, offering something for everyone, when built by the collective spirit of all.