An Open Streets Family Reunion: Reflections from the 2018 Open Streets Summit

By Ryan O’Connor, Director of Programs, 8 80 Cities Recently 8 80 Cities wrote a blog post about open streets being a labour of love. That being the case, the 2018 Open Streets Summit in New Orleans felt like a family reunion of sorts. It was rejuvenating to see old and new friends who share our passion for open streets and are working tirelessly to create healthier, happier, and more connected communities across the world. The event, which took place on September 15-16, brought together more than 50 leaders who currently organize open streets programs or are interested in bringing the...

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Open Streets Summit Draft Agenda

We hope you are getting ready and feel excited about the Open Streets Summit in Gretna/New Orleans! Taking place from September 15-16, 2018, the Summit will feature tours, presentations and networking opportunities with open streets champions and organizers from across the continent. Attendees will learn about the nuts and bolts of starting or scaling up open streets programs, including: Route design and planning Partnerships with business and officials Social inclusion Safety and logistics Marketing and promotion Program evaluation through measurable goals and metrics If you haven’t done it yet, click here to register for the Open Streets Summit only or...

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Open Streets Summit Speakers Announced!

The Open Streets Project is proud to announce that Ed Solis from Viva Calle (San Jose, CA), Romel Pascual from CicLAvia (Los Angeles, CA), Jaymie Santiago and Charles Brown from New Brunswick Ciclovia will join us as speakers for the 2018 Open Streets Summit in New Orleans and Gretna! Taking place from September 15-16 2018, the Summit will feature: Behind the scenes tour of the City of Gretna’s inaugural open streets program. Workshops, presentations, and networking opportunities with open streets champions and organizers from across the continent. Training and inspiration for both -novice and experienced- open streets organizers and supporters...

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LISC Taps Innovative Entrepreneur to Spearhead Opportunity Zone Strategies, Investments

LISC has named George Ashton as its new managing director for strategic investments. He plans to lead LISC’s work on Opportunity Zones with a clear-eyed view of the potential for community gains—focusing not just on how much capital can be raised, but on deploying it in ways that fuel lasting benefits for residents. “We are going to drive opportunities that make sense for places we are trying to serve and the systems that we are trying to change,” noted Maurice A. Jones, LISC president and CEO.

Indy’s New Portal to Maximize Opportunity Zone Impact

There is an exciting new development regarding LISC’s involvement in Opportunity Zones. The Opportunity Investment Consortium of Indiana, of which LISC of Indianapolis is a part, officially launched an online portal to aid in matching Opportunity Zone projects in need of funding to potential investors.

Top Reads, Week of 11/26

Check out our top three reads of the week. They cover the challenges and opportunities facing American communities right now. This week, we’re delving into broadband access, a look at what contributed to the drop in opioid deaths in Dayton, OH and the case for nonprofit housing developers.