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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What Happens When You Mix Chocolate, Caramel and Community

In celebration of World Chocolate Day, we're sharing the story of LISC borrower Cherri Emery, owner of Cherri’s Chocol’art, whose small business has cooked up a deliciously welcoming space for the community in Kalamazoo, MI.

CDFIs Bring Entrepreneurs of Color Fund to New Orleans

The LISC-managed EOCF is continuing to expand its geographic reach, launching innovative new efforts in NOLA with support from JPMorgan Chase, NewCorp, Inc., and TruFund Financial Services. The fund "will nurture a diverse landscape of small businesses that reflect New Orleans’ rich culture and history,” said Steve Hall, LISC vice president.

Kevin Hart’s Gran Coramino™ Tequila Brand and LISC Form Partnership to Fuel Growth for Black and Latinx Businesses

Gran Coramino Tequila selects LISC to be its first impact partner in the United States. LISC will work with Gran Coramino Tequila and its founders, Kevin Hart and Juan Domingo Beckmann, to help close racial wealth and opportunity gaps for Black and Latinx small businesses.