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...

The post An Open Streets Family Reunion: Reflections from the 2018 Open Streets Summit appeared first on Open Streets Project.

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...

The post Open Streets Summit Draft Agenda appeared first on Open Streets Project.

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...

The post Open Streets Summit Speakers Announced! appeared first on Open Streets Project.

LISC Entrepreneurs of Color Fund Reaches $500M Goal, Sets New Benchmark of $1B in Small Business Lending

LISC announced today that the Entrepreneurs of Color Fund (EOCF) has surpassed its $500 million goal for small business lending across the country—more than two years ahead of schedule. LISC is now expanding the program to double its impact, aiming to support $1 billion in financing for underserved businesses and communities. “We are working to level the playing field—to connect promising but overlooked businesses to affordable financing so that whole communities can benefit from economic development and growth,” said Steve Hall, LISC vice president of Small Business Lending.

John Moon Named President of LISC Green LLC to Lead Deployment of GGRF Funds

LISC announced today that John Moon is joining the organization to lead LISC Green LLC, a new affiliate that will spearhead LISC's Green House Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) activities and investments and help deepen LISC’s impact in sustainable community development. “These resources will help expand affordable housing to address our national housing crisis, expand income and wealth-building to offset local economic challenges, and make our communities healthier and more resilient,” Moon said

LISC + Uber: Breaking Down Transportation Barriers to Health and Wellbeing

LISC’s Health Access Fund is helping people who face barriers to transportation get to and from the places that contribute to their health and wellbeing by providing free access to non-emergency medical transportation in partnership with Uber. To date, 23 organizations supported by the Health Access Fund have booked close to 320,000 Uber rides for people in 23 states. Learn more about the individuals and organizations impacted by our work together.