Jane Jacobs

Others have written more heartfelt and knowledgeable eulogies for Jane Jacobs than I could. I enjoyed her books, even her less successful formats in later years, and respected not just her clear wisdom and thought but also the impact that one person could have on so much subsequent policy. One of the better tributes came from Alan Ehrenhalt at Governing.com's blog. If you know her works, you'll appreciate it. If you don't, it will convince you to get to know them.