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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Teacher Diversity is Important. Here’s What We’ve Learned about Recruitment Best Practices.

Research has shown that a diverse teaching staff has a positive impact on student performance. Daniel Stinfil, senior portfolio manager for LISC Charter School Financing, shares best practices from school leaders for attracting and retaining a diverse teaching and leadership staff.

Standing Up for Small CDCs

In a new commentary for Shelterforce, LISC’s Bill Taft talks about the enormous value of small, community-focused development organizations to the people and places they serve—urging funders and investors to prioritize their well-being as part of larger strategies for place-based impact.

Celebrating Black-owned Businesses in August—and the Rest of the Year!

Black-owned businesses face systemic barriers to accessing capital and credit. In honor of Black Business Month, we’re sharing our favorite stories about the entrepreneurs we’ve worked with and who have benefitted from the funding partnerships that help break down the obstacles to progress and success.