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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$10 Million Citi Foundation-LISC Partnership Will Ready Workers for 21st-Century Jobs

An exciting new commitment from Citi Foundation will ramp up LISC’s Bridges to Career Opportunities program and help some 10,000 American workers get the training and support they need to take on quality jobs in growth industries like health care and solar energy. The funding will enable 40 community organizations across the country to intensify their Bridges work, connecting residents to skills development and jobs, along with financial, health and housing services that improve quality of life.

Op-Ed: Don’t Defund the Programs That Defend Affordable Housing

LISC CEO Maurice A. Jones and Diane Yentel, CEO of the National Low Income Housing Coalition, make the imperative case for two key housing programs in an op-ed for Affordable Housing Finance. As a new nominee is poised to take charge of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, they write, we must absolutely safeguard the Housing Trust Fund and the Capital Magnet Fund, which have provided essential support for affordable housing creation in the midst of the affordability crisis.

Top Reads, Week of 2/11

Check out our top three reads of the week. They cover the challenges and opportunities facing American communities right now. This week, we’re delving into what makes a city bike-friendly for all residents, a look at the depths of America's affordable housing crisis, and a report that weighs the role recreation can have on attracting new residents to rural communities.