The American City: serving as a model

What US cities are doing the things (or have done the things) that make them serve as models for all American cities.....and what have they accomplished that makes you think, "I wish my city would do that." **** Strictly for purposes of examples, I'll use my home town of Chicago: Millennium Park has shown how an eye popping, interactive park can serve as a draw for city, suburbanites, and tourists alike....and also cause a high rise housing boom around it to take in the view.>