This paper presents the case that the shaping of the urban environment needs innovative solutions like the design-centered and transect-based approach, one that offers the possibility of a planning process capable of enabling effective engagement and constructing a sense of collective responsibility across even deep social and political divisions. At the same time, civic groups need to understand that while cities might be made better on purpose, to accomplish this we need to get past the reduction of urbanism to social and economic functions apparently beyond our control, and understand the ways that design becomes a medium in which to recognize, articulate and realize civic aspirations.