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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American Banker Reports on LISC’s Black Economic Development Fund

A recent article in American Banker describes the why and how of LISC’s Black Economic Development Fund - a means to direct private capital to Black banks, CDFIs and other minority businesses. The $50 million from Netflix and Costco seeding the fund, with more in the pipeline, is a signal of a widespread “social-consciousness awakening that [the wealth gap] is a problem and its sources are systemic racism,” explains George Ashton, LISC EVP and the fund’s manager, in the story.

LISC, with Top Housing Groups, Calls for Emergency Rental Relief

In a statement issued today, LISC joins with Enterprise, National Housing Trust, Stewards of Affordable Housing for the Future, Housing Partnership Network, Housing Assistance Council and Leading Age to urge federal action on rental assistance that will protect residents and affordable housing providers affected by the pandemic. “Relief is overdue,” the groups warn, “and we can’t afford to wait any longer.”

A Pledge to Keep Small Businesses Open for Business

A $15 million donation from Wells Fargo, part of their Open for Business Fund, will help LISC match flexible Kiva crowdfunded loans for entrepreneurs of color across the U.S. Our pre-Covid collaboration with Wells and Kiva in Puerto Rico and other disinvested places has proven the transformative benefits for individuals, families and regional economies when small businesses get fast access to capital in a crisis.