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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Uber, Visa and LISC Provide $1 Million in Grants & Resources to Support Small Businesses

LISC is a partner in Grants for Growth, a $1 million program of Uber and Visa that provided $10,000 grants to 100 restaurants in 10 cities nationwide. LISC administered the grant program, which brings relief to restaurants when they need it most, particularly as they continue to recover from the pandemic. Among the grant recipients, 92% are entrepreneurs of color, 69% are female-owned businesses, and 88% are located in low or moderate-income areas.

The Inflation Reduction Act’s Climate Investments and What They Mean for Community Development

The Inflation Reduction Act, a sweeping health care, climate and tax package signed into law in August, presents groundbreaking opportunities to combat environmental injustices. LISC’s Mark Kudlowitz examines how the new law can impact community development and revitalize communities that have long suffered disproportionate impacts from climate change.

Boston Children’s Hospital, BayCoast Bank, & Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Invest in LISC Growth Capital Fund for Businesses Owned by People of Color

LISC announced it has closed with Boston Children’s Hospital, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and BayCoast Bank on a new growth capital fund that will invest in growing businesses owned by Black, Latino, and Indigenous entrepreneurs and other people of color.