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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MacKenzie Scott Donates $65 Million to LISC

MacKenzie Scott, the prolific philanthropist, announced that she is donating $65 million to LISC, the largest contribution in our organization’s 45-year history. This is Scott’s second grant to LISC, which builds on a $40 million gift in 2020 that was used to seed programs that narrow gaps in health, wealth and opportunity, particularly for communities of color.

Lowe’s Launches $2.5 Million Western North Carolina Small Business Recovery Fund

LISC is teaming up with Lowe’s to help small businesses in Western North Carolina recover from the impacts of Hurricane Helene. We will make $20,000 grants to 100 small businesses to address urgent needs and jumpstart recovery. Small businesses in disaster-declared communities may apply for grants from Nov. 18 to Nov. 22.

Supporting Pathways to a Strong Financial Future: Q+A with Allianz Life’s Kenna Poppler

Kenna Poppler of Allianz Life understands the power of LISC’s Financial Opportunity Center® model and how it helps strengthen the financial futures of individuals and families across the Twin Cities. Since 2022, Allianz Life’s support has helped pave a path to sustainable financial and career success for nearly 3,000 people. Learn why working with LISC Twin Cities to reduce barriers to economic inclusion is so important to Allianz Life, and to Poppler.