This issue examines citywide and cross-city initiatives in after-school time. It presents case studies of youth-related work that combines large-scale policy, developmental thinking, innovative programming, and research and evaluation. The most interesting after-school efforts occur where community-based organizations are joining forces, sharing funding and other resources, and jointly creating a system of after-school care and education. This issue illustrates that good urban after-school programming fosters youth development by breeding a city environment that is safe, supportive, and open.