Film Shows How Jane Jacobs’ Urban Activism Saved Many Neighborhoods From Demolition

Jane Jacobs was one of the first female urban activists of her era.

Library of Congress

Matt Tyrnauer’s film “Citizen Jane: Battle for the City” tells the David and Goliath story of urban activist Jane Jacobs.

Motivated by devastating neighborhood demolitions, Jacobs found herself going head-to-head with New York City’s powerful urban renewal czar Robert Moses. Her efforts literally saved Washington Square Park from becoming a thoroughfare.

Jacobs believed the cities were people, not fancy new buildings.