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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Heartbreak and Resilience in Buffalo

The racist attack in East Buffalo is a horrific reminder of the threats facing people of color and the communities where they live. As community developers, we must continue to design solutions that tackle systemic racism and, at the same time, address the violence that is so often its byproduct. LISC CEO Lisa Glover has more.

What 40 Million Unrestricted Dollars Can Do

An update on how LISC is using MacKenzie Scott’s extraordinary gift to promote racial and economic equity.

LISC Closes $100M in Commitments for Entrepreneurs of Color Loan Fund to Fuel Minority-Owned Businesses

A new impact investment fund is designed to help CDFIs ramp up local lending to minority business owners. The fund will purchase participations in previously originated loans to minority-owned enterprises from designated CDFI partners to free up capital for additional lending to entrepreneurs of color.