Reimagining the Civic Commons

Public spaces are central to local economies. “When you go to a neighborhood park or hang out at a recreation center, you may not think about the economic impact of the public amenity you are enjoying. But research shows that our public spaces can generate significant economic value. “And when investments are made with intention, public spaces can help catalyze equitable economic opportunity in cities and neighborhoods while reducing costs from health care to climate change.” #publicspace #economy #localgov #economicdevelopment #value #equity #research #climatechange #investments https://lnkd.in/ePhWm96D

"It seems as though event organizers have made use of every available public space and morphed them into areas capable of hosting an Olympic event." As we celebrate the Opening Ceremony of the 2024 Olympic Games later today, it is inspirational to see Paris 2024's commitment to using existing infrastructure and elevating the city's fabric of public spaces as the natural sites for welcoming the world's best athletes to Paris. #publicspace #civicinfrastructure #investment #Olympics #cities #Paris CNN Paris 2024 - Comité d'organisation des Jeux Olympiques et Paralympiques de 2024 International Olympic Committee – IOC https://lnkd.in/eEZiVpmT

Fantastic to see Detroit's Reimagining the Civic Commons efforts featured by the The Brookings Institution as a shining example of community-led revitalization in Black neighborhoods that face high levels of vacancy and devaluation. "The core concept of the project is to work in partnership with residents and local stakeholders to guide redevelopment efforts. Importantly, the project emphasizes civic assets, like parks, neighborhood centers, and locally owned businesses. Members of the local community have an active role in choosing how to revitalize these neighborhoods by helping to decide where and what types of infrastructure and businesses to invest in." https://lnkd.in/ePw9iffm City of Detroit Invest Detroit Live6 Alliance - Detroit The Kresge Foundation Knight Foundation THE JPB FOUNDATION William Penn Foundation #collaboration #cities #vacancy #community #equity #civiccommonsus #civicinfrastructure Andre M. Perry Manann Donoghoe

4 steps to spur social infrastructure: ✅ Identify what’s working + build on strength ✅ Map the network + identify gaps ✅ Recognize what’s not working + test new ideas ✅ Adopt social connection as an outcome + measure https://lnkd.in/emB-NMvQ #socialinfrastructure #civiccommonsus #loneliness #connection Kimberly Driggins Washington Housing Conservancy Bridget Marquis Reimagining the Civic Commons Gehl - Making Cities for People RWJF Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) City of Charlotte Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition City of Akron, Ohio Vivek Murthy American Planning Association

Exhausted from national politics? Shift gears and think local. Here’s a piece that offers one way to flex your civic muscles at the local level – and get good stuff done. #publicspace #local #civicinfrastructure #civicengagement #government Tri-State Trails City of Cincinnati https://lnkd.in/eKha8ezQ

“The Livernois and West McNichols area in Detroit has endured many transitions and challenging times. But with incredible dedication, optimism, and collaboration, the businesses and residents have been rolling up their sleeves and working hard to bring this close-knit community back.” Detroitisit features the impact of collaborative community investment – in the public realm and small businesses – in Detroit's Livernois-McNichols neighborhoods. https://lnkd.in/eT46Xuyh Live6 Alliance - Detroit City of Detroit Invest Detroit Marygrove Conservancy University of Detroit Mercy The Detroit Pizza Bar The Kresge Foundation THE JPB FOUNDATION Knight Foundation William Penn Foundation #publicspace #commercialcorridors #smallbiz

"We need to rethink how we develop our cities and the built environment. It’s not just about planting more trees; it’s about integrating nature-based solutions into our urban planning." In TIME, Carlos Claussell of WWF calls for investment in public spaces as part of the solution for addressing heat waves, climate change and public health disparities. #nature #heatwave #climate #publicspace #cities #health #treephilly Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Fairmount Park Conservancy https://lnkd.in/gCwz6GVr

In the era of remote and hybrid work, thriving public spaces have the power to transform downtown. "Imagine a future where we invest in parks and public spaces so they can be the civic infrastructure for a changing climate and the social infrastructure to bring people together face to face. Imagine a day when every sidewalk is cool and green on a summer day, and wide streets have flourishing median gardens that relieve heat and add beauty. "Philadelphia can realize this future, but it will require shifting mindsets, a willingness to center public space as Philadelphia’s greatest asset, increased spending, and the collective courage to imagine and invest in a reimagined public space network. The future will be defined by the actions we take today." Patrick Morgan of Lindy Institute for Urban Innovation at Drexel University and Matt Rader of Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) make the case for investing in public space as civic and social infrastructure in this quarter's AIA Philadelphia Context Magazine.  https://lnkd.in/e2xfgW2w #socialinfrastructure #civicinfrastructure #publicspace #philadelphia

Can Strong Social Infrastructure Cure the Loneliness Epidemic? It’s time to invest in the places where human connection happens: our parks, community gardens, plazas, trails, greenspaces, libraries, apartment communities, and neighborhoods. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/emB-NMvQ Bridget Marquis Kimberly Driggins Washington Housing Conservancy American Planning Association Gehl - Making Cities for People Julia D Day Eamon O'Connor Sharon Roerty RWJF Matthew Perkins Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) Alysia Osborne, AICP City of Charlotte #socialinfrastructure #civiccommonsus #loneliness #connection

The power of the civic commons – a catalyst for positive change in Memphis, Tennessee: “The world and nation have been taking notice of Tom Lee Park since plans for a complete overhaul of the park's face and functions were shared with the rest of the world, with articles devoted to the ambitions of Memphis and the architecture firm Studio Gang, which oversaw the redesign plans. The park has been the focus of articles in The New York Times, a PBS documentary, and myriad other mentions… “Fast Company's honor for Tom Lee Park is the latest instance that underscores that Memphis' riverfront and Downtown core is changing.” Micaela Watts Memphis River Parks Partnership City of Memphis Downtown Memphis Commission https://lnkd.in/eV4Gdt-A