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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How CDFIs, Including LISC, Are Empowering Charlotte Neighborhoods

A recent story from Charlotte Business Journal discusses how CDFIs like LISC are working to bring opportunity to many of the city’s underinvested communities. From financing support for affordable housing developers, to grants for small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, LISC Charlotte ED Ralphine Caldwell and others describe how the CDFIs are leveraging available partnerships to make each dollar invested in the city count.

Foreclosure Risk is Growing, With No Relief in Sight

Homeowners and small landlords are under mounting pressure, as lost income related to COVID-19 leaves them with month after month of unpaid debt and limited ability to catch up. The loss of wealth could impact the next generation and beyond, especially in communities of color, warns LISC’s Denise Scott. “Just as COVID-19 is having a disproportionate impact on the health of Black and Brown families, so too is it exacerbating our racial wealth gap, which already saps so much from our national potential.”

Unlocking Corporate Treasuries for Racial Equity: A Podcast with LISC's George Ashton

George Ashton III, who oversees LISC's Strategic Investments department, joined a recent episode of the podcast Money + Meaning to discuss LISC's Black Economic Development Fund. The conversation delved into the growth of CDFIs and their role in economic development and how more corporations can direct their capital towards systems change that promotes racial equity.