3 Small City Natural Environments Waterfronts emerged as one of the most valued and consistently discussed dimensions of small-city life. Rivers and coastlines have shaped where small cities were established, how they developed, and how residents understand their sense of place and identity. At the same time, many waterfronts are effected by industrial decline, infrastructure barriers, and accelerating climate risks that limit public access and connectivity. In response, cities are working to restore their waterfronts as environmental, cultural, and economic assets. This raises important questions about how to activate waterfronts that can balance these priorities, while most importantly re-building residents’ relationships to water. Since small cities share similar waterfront histories, there is a significant opportunity to collaborate, exchange strategies, and reimagine how communities can reclaim and reconnect with their rivers and coastlines. How can we restore and reimagine our relationships to our rivers and coasts?
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