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.

The Moment for Community Has Arrived

Building community and belonging is going to be our most powerful strategy for ending the displacement and isolation that plague so many corners of our world.

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 Receives $700K Federal Award to Rev Up Rural Investment

The Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI Fund)—part of the U.S. Department of Treasury—has awarded $700,000 to LISC for intensifying economic development in underserved rural communities. The money will seed a $10 million Fund for Rural Progress to boost investment in infrastructure, business development and job creation, all vital to combating population loss and persistent poverty in rural America.

What’s immito? LISC’s Powerful New Catalyst for Small Businesses

LISC is ramping up its national economic development work with the launch of a new small business lender called immito. “Nothing catalyzes opportunity in a community like new businesses launching and expanding,” said Maurice A. Jones, LISC president and CEO. immito is expected to do $100 million in annual lending and will spark entrpreneurship and growth in communities across the country, especially those where demand for capital access is high.

Top Reads, Week of 9/17/18

Check out our top three reads of the week covering the challenges and opportunities of American communities. This week, we're reading about the life-expectancy gap, worker cooperatives, and the link between housing and family stability.