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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Helping More People Get The Mental Health Care They Need

After a student’s tragic death, former teacher Elizabeth Alegría founded Gramercy Specialty Clinic, a Texas-based behavioral healthcare organization focused on serving diverse populations and addressing mental health barriers in Latino communities. With a $150,000 investment from the Abbott-LISC Initiative to Support Diverse Businesses in Health, Alegría is expanding Gramercy’s virtual services and developing a technology app to scale the organization across several states.

LISC Brings “Heirs' Property” Relief to Under-Resourced Communities in Cincinnati and Cleveland

Heirs' property issues have long been a leading cause of involuntary land loss, particularly among Black families. With a new $750,000 multiyear grant from the U.S. Bank Foundation Opportunity Fund, LISC will work with community-based organizations in Cincinnati and Cleveland to provide families with estate planning, legal support and financial counseling that can help clear up clouded property titles and preserve homes for future generations.

A Look Forward, From 20 Years of Impact Investing

Broadstreet CEO Kevin Boes reflects on 20 years of the LISC affiliate's work as a New Market Tax Credit syndicator. From managing $3.5 billion in impact portfolios to partnering with local leaders, Broadstreet (formerly New Markets Support Corp) has focused on driving meaningful change in disinvested communities. Looking ahead, Boes reiterates their commitment to scaling impact and creating just, healthy, and prosperous communities.