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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For Formerly Incarcerated Women in Arizona, a Fair Chance at Financial Wellness

The Arouet Foundation supports women returning from incarceration in Phoenix, helping them work toward financial stability and avoid recidivism—beginning while they are still imprisoned. The Foundation’s Alison Rapping sat down with LISC to explain how the Financial Opportunity Center model, combined with other wrap-around services, has been extraordinarily successful in assisting clients to get past the unjust obstacles that block the progress of so many returning citizens.

In Cincinnati’s Price Hill, Music Nourishes a Community

This is the story of how a youth orchestra took root and flowered within a community development corporation, and has ended up helping transform a community and enriching a city. Music for Youth in Cincinnati—MyCincinnati—and the work of Price Hill Will are emblematic of the extraordinary power of home-grown arts and culture to leverage growth, connection and joy.

The State of Rural Development: Q+A with Caitlin Cain

In a wide-ranging interview with Affordable Housing Finance, VP and director of Rural LISC Caitlin Cain lists the top ways to build robust and sustainable rural economies and reveals what keeps her up at night (and her predictions for the next Super Bowl).