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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“I Didn't Know What a Business Plan Was”: How LISC + Verizon Are Helping Entrepreneurs Flourish

How does an emerging entrepreneur learn the ropes of small business-building if they don't have someone to advise them? Angel Fant, owner of Coqovel Cosmetics and Skin Care in Indianapolis, is one of dozens of diverse entrepreneurs around the country who, with help from LISC, are accessing online business courses, one-on-one coaching, grants and other free resources that are part of Verizon's Small Business Digital Ready initative. Watch her inspiring story!

“A Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity”: Q+A with LISC’s New CEO Michael T. Pugh

As Michael T. Pugh, formerly president and CEO of Carver Federal Savings Bank, takes the helm of LISC, we caught up with him to talk about what inspired him to step into his new role, what motivates him as a leader and community development practitioner, and what he hopes to help LISC accomplish in the years to come.

How JPMorgan Chase Partners with LISC Detroit and Others to Help the City Flourish

An article in Fortune highlights a $200 million investment from JPMorgan Chase to support small business and local community development funds. The funding has helped LISC Detroit, the Entrepreneurs of Color Fund (EOCF) and the Detroit Housing Fund create economic opportunities for thousands of Detroit residents. LISC senior vice president Tahirih Ziegler is quoted on the imperative of investing in affordable housing to protect against displacement in Detroit’s vulnerable communities.