Summers’s proposal for a Civic Vow introduces a personal commitment to justice, care, and clarity in civic systems. It places the PUBLIC at the forefront, emphasizing it as the main goal of municipal public works projects. He advocates for shifting towards a more ethical approach to infrastructure—starting with the everyday streets that weave through our communities. These streets should embody fundamental rights and freedoms, shaping project metrics based on core values. His book redefines current standards to reflect the vibrant, moral life that streets can sustain—as multifunctional, relational systems that foster community trust through mobility, freedom of movement, accessibility to people, transactions, water, air, and beauty.

William Morrish

<p style="font-weight: 400;">Professor Emeritus</p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">Urban Ecologies, Parsons School of Design</p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">The New School University</p>