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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In Memoriam: Beth Marcus, Former LISC EVP of Development

Beth Marcus, who died on Dec 1, was a 16-year veteran of LISC who led the organization’s fundraising to unprecedented levels of success, with an unwavering eye to forging maximum impact for underserved communities. In a tribute to her life and legacy, LISCers past and present reflect on Marcus’s extraordinary vision, effectiveness and heart.

LISC in the WSJ: Measuring the Impact of Institutional Landlords on Renters

LISC’s Dr. Ruth Jones Nichols, EVP for National and Local Programs, is quoted in Wall Street Journal about the growth of build-to-rent housing and its implications for renters and the state of the housing market.

A Pilot Program That Could Help Reanimate America’s Downtowns

A recently introduced bipartisan bill would establish a program to enable business district organizations to better support small business owners and build thriving communities in small towns and neighborhoods – particularly those that face barriers to participating in existing Economic Development Administration (EDA) programs. LISC's Lauren Rosenbaum, senior policy officer, and Kelly Humrichouser, director of government relations for Main Street America, describe the impact the program could have on downtowns across the country.