The Four Essential Elements of an Asset-Based Community Development Process

John and ABCD Institute faculty member Cormac Russell explain what is distinctive about an Asset-Based Community Development process.

Money and the Civic Impulse

One of the most powerful ways to immobilize citizen engagement can be outside money, even when purported to be available for citizen engagement.

Money and the Civic Impulse

One of the most powerful ways to immobilize citizen engagement can be outside money, even when purported to be available for citizen engagement.

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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REGISTRATION IS OPEN FOR the Open Streets Summit 2018 in New Orleans!

The Open Streets Project is partnering with Walk Bike Places and the City of Gretna to deliver an educational Open Streets Summit in Gretna and New Orleans, from September 15-16 2018. Download the Agenda Summit Description The Summit will feature a behind the scenes tour of the City of Gretna’s inaugural open streets program, as well as breakout sessions, networking opportunities, and a World Café with open streets champions and organizers from across the continent. The Summit will provide inspiration and practical tips for both -novice and experienced- open streets organizers and supporters from public health, transportation, planning, public space,...

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LISC in the NYT: A Creative Take on Impact Investing

This week, the New York Times spotlights LISC NYC’s Creative Economy Fund and the wide-reaching benefits of impact investing in creative industries. The LISC fund fuels loans to build and preserve work spaces for artisans and entrepreneurs who would otherwise be edged out of the market by high New York City real estate costs. “We’re trying to create a new channel of investment capital,” says Sam Marks, executive director of LISC NYC. “This is about benefits for low- and moderate-income people.”

LISC CEO & Rep. Fred Upton on the Potent Promise of Opportunity Zones

Maurice A. Jones and Congressman Fred Upton (R-MI) co-authored a blog for The Hill, making a strong case for how Opportunity Zones can attract unprecedented capital to underinvested places—if the necessary oversight and guiderails are in place. Under the right circumstances, OZs could channel some $6 trillion into American communities, leveraging local talent, assets and inclusive development already underway.

LISC Detroit on Public Radio: Safeguarding Affordable Rentals in the New Motor City

The expiration of housing tax credits threatens affordability for renters all across the country. But in Detroit, where home-ownership plummeted in the wake of the city’s financial crisis and where unfettered development is displacing longtime residents, affordable rentals are at an all-time premium. LISC Detroit’s Tahirih Ziegler spoke to Michigan Public Radio about the situation, and how LISC and the city are partnering on incentives for landlords and other tools that will create a bulwark for affordability. Hear from Tahirih starting at the 13 minute mark!