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February 18, 2026
Quarterly Article
Michael O. Emerson
Lauren Anderson
Jecorey Arthur
Nancy Seay
Ted Smith
Feb 3, 2026
December 2025
Back to The Milbank Quarterly
Policy Points:
Context: The United States lags far behind other comparable nations on health indicators. To promote population health in cities, we argue for the right to Universal Basic Neighborhoods (UBN).
Methods: We define UBN as “the minimally acceptable mix of neighborhood health assets for residents to flourish in quality and length of life.” This article explores the foundational needs for such a concept and creates a specific set of domains, factors, and metrics for assessing UBN status. We apply this concept and its measurement to two neighborhoods in Louisville, Kentucky, assessing both health assets and liabilities. In doing so, we locate pathways for interventions.
Findings: We found that the Crescent Hill neighborhood can be considered a UBN. The Russell neighborhood’s extensive set of liabilities overwhelms its assets when we consider health outcomes.
Conclusions: If we want to create UBN, we need a means. We thus outline a model legislation template for ensuring the right to UBN and improving urban neighborhood health.
