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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An Oral History of Innovation: LISC’s Jennifer McClain on 15 Years of Advancing Financial Opportunity

Last year, LISC’s national network of 130 Financial Opportunity Center® sites served more than 25,000 people looking to launch careers, build savings and credit, or buy a home. LISC’s Jennifer McClain takes a closer look at the ingredients – one-on-one coaching, new data management tools, storytelling – and determination needed to build a program that truly empowers community members to build careers and boost financial health.

LISC’s Project 10X: A Status Update

In its 18 months of existence, Project 10X, LISC’s high-octane initiative to help close racial wealth and opportunity gaps and invest in the wellbeing of Black people and communities, has already raised $663 million, more than 60 percent of its total 10-year goal of $1 billion. The money is being deployed in a range of innovative ways, and its impact is taking shape.

Heartbreak and Resilience in Buffalo

The racist attack in East Buffalo is a horrific reminder of the threats facing people of color and the communities where they live. As community developers, we must continue to design solutions that tackle systemic racism and, at the same time, address the violence that is so often its byproduct. LISC CEO Lisa Glover has more.