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 Can Creative Placemaking Serve Us in this Moment? A Look Back to Look Forward

Ten years ago, the National Endowment for the Arts released the seminal publication “Creative Placemaking.” Written by Ann Markusen and Anne Gadwa Nicodemus, this white paper launched a movement grounded in harnessing design thinking, artistic practice and community-driven problem solving to build more creative and equitable communities.

LISC Jacksonville Announces Passing of Executive Director Janet G. Owens

It is with great sadness that we announce that Janet G. Owens, executive director of LISC Jacksonville, passed away yesterday in Jacksonville following a long battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her closest family members. The entire LISC family mourns the loss of Janet and we extend our deepest sympathies to her family and friends. Janet was a tremendous driving force in advancing LISC Jacksonville’s mission and work in our urban communities. She will be remembered as an inspirational community leader, advocate and trustee. She will be dearly missed.

Can a Small Business Start Making PPE Last Week? “Hell, yes!”

This story about an emerging small business pivoting to make critical personal protective equipment for an Indianapolis hospital is not simply one of the brilliant examples of people adapting and pitching in during the Covid-19 crisis: It is a textbook case of how LISC staff and partners—nimble, passionate and embedded in their communities—make inspired connections that link residents and enterprises with opportunities that are literally life-saving.