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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LISC Supports Quality Homes in Communities with Majority-Black Populations to Fuel Small Business Growth, Education, Safety, and Jobs

A drive down Cottage Grove Avenue in Chicago’s Woodlawn neighborhood offers a view of what quality, affordable housing means to a community. There, the national nonprofit POAH has preserved and built hundreds of affordable rental homes along a mile-long stretch, with new businesses and community services as well, tapping LISC loans to acquire properties and launch the predevelopment work needed to move ambitious projects forward.

Chicago’s Little Village Florist and Event Planning Business is Expecting Growth, Even During the Pandemic

On 26th Street, in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood, bustling storefronts serve the community’s Mexican immigrant population and attract customers from all over the city and suburbs. Many of them visit La Orchidea, a florist and event planning business that is planning for growth, even in the midst of the pandemic.

In Detroit, Attractive Workforce Housing for Families Replaces a Vacant, Dilapidated Structure

What gains can be made at the intersection of art, housing and community development? In Detroit, developers are building a new workforce housing project that not only meets the needs of moderate-income families, but also incorporates an art gallery and other commercial space that contributes to the health of the surrounding area. LISC is proud to help finance this important effort.