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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In DC, a Bridge Designed to Soothe Troubled Waters

A deeply reported article in the New York Times delves into the story of creating the 11th Street Bridge Park linking Anacostia with adjacent neighborhoods. The piece features LISC and our DC team’s integral and longtime involvement in a community-centered project that has aimed, from its inception, to nurture connection, growth and vitality without displacing Black residents in the process.

Tackling “the Worst Housing Crisis Since the Great Depression” with Local Strategies and Big Picture Innovation: Q+A with Denise Scott

In a wide-ranging Q+A with Philanthropy News Digest, LISC President Denise Scott describes how the organization has pivoted and refined its strategies to support communities in the face of market shifts, climate disasters, a pandemic and countless systemic barriers to equity. What we need, says Scott, is “creative financing guided by collaboration with local people who are working toward lasting solutions—if we are going to really advance equity in this challenging time.”

Double Down on ‘Local’ to Empower Families and Communities

From pandemic relief to racial equity, success is as dependent on a strong social infrastructure in communities as it is on the dollars that flow through it, writes LISC President Denise Scott, in a new commentary. “To support just and resilient communities, we must invest in the capacity of place-based organizations to plan, execute, measure, adjust and sustain community development gains.”