Bianka Hofmann’s Post

Now "a living embodiment...to building a stronger, more inclusive Memphis for all" Tom Lee Park was once an empty field by the river, lacked amenities despite its prime location in a diverse neighborhood. How did it change? Through 'Gradual Placemaking' because although revamping a park is a lengthy and costly process it shouldn't be rushed with imposed 'cookie cooker' solutions. Memphis River Parks Partnership understood that to support change people need to see and experience their benefits. Over six years, they started small engaged the community, tested ideas, and formed local relationships. Gradually improving different parts of the riverfront, Tom Lee Park integrated itself into Memphis life even before it officially re-opened. Step 1: Pop-up Play - Riverside Drive road closed to traffic and became a lively public space with activities and basketball courts for three months. Step 2: Test and Learn - A one-acre site in the park added a climbing structure, yoga classes, and campfires, boosting its popularity by 200%. Step 3: Connecting the space - Various trails connected across the park to form a 5-mile path with clear signage for easy navigation. Step 4: Places to stay and play - After removing Confederate statues, an area transformed into a peaceful hub for people to meet for art, yoga, concerts, and sports events. Step 5: The grand opening on Labor Day This report from Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation at Johns Hopkins University -- I'd love to talk to someone from Memphis who was involved for my Churchill Fellowship and an article I’m working on … anyone here?

I'm starting the year off right by launching a 2 hour 15 minute response video to the city council of Cedar Rapids downtown development plan. In the video I address the ongoing bias in development research by the city and its affiliates - bias that is resulting in unequal outcomes that push low-income earners out of neighborhoods and into poorly constructed mass housing. I also highlight some examples of downtown development from Denver including some kitchy art installed in the Dairy Block, a city/private development initiative in the same vein. If you're interested in city development, arts council work, diversity, equity, and inclusion, you'll likely be interested in this. #citydevelopment #cedarrapidsiowa #cedarrapids #publicart #publicprivatepartnerships #publicspace #publicspaces https://lnkd.in/gCbejFVU

This creative capital city deserves a lot more attention Richmond is No. 1 on the list thanks to rich arts, culture and history, plus a great food and beverage scene. Story by Kari Smith | Video by Demetrius Pipkin, Jeremy Moorhead and FJ Feng, CNN — "This dynamic city on the James River deserves more of the tourist attention enjoyed by the nation’s capital two hours to the north. Richmond, Virginia — or “RVA,” as locals call it — has top-notch museums and intriguing neighborhoods, and it’s a great spot for dining, drinking and getting outdoors. There’s an impressive arts scene and a nearly year-round lineup of festivals. And the city is taking a hard look at its complicated history — as the capital of the Confederacy during the Civil War and a historic slave trading hub — and working on ways to better tell the city’s full story. Now’s a great time for visitors to see for themselves how Virginia’s capital city has evolved." ------- Richmond is dynamic and thriving, and this CNN story and ranking proves that consistent hard work pays off. @rvagov embraces all that we are becoming. Our artists, musicians, students, business owners, culturalists, foodies, and lovers of wine all help paint a brilliant landscape and weave an interesting tapestry that is Richmond. @rvagov @venturerichmond #buildingcommunity #wearerva

Great dissection of the biggest project for St. Petersburg in a generation.

Why consider moving to Greenville? Here are some of the most popular reasons we hear newcomers making the decision to call the Upstate their new home: 👨👩👧👦 Quality of Life: Greenville consistently ranks high in national surveys for its excellent quality of life. The city offers a balanced mix of urban amenities and a relaxed, community-oriented lifestyle. Residents enjoy a vibrant downtown area with numerous shops, restaurants, parks, and cultural events. 📈 Economic Opportunities: Greenville has experienced significant economic growth in recent years, attracting a diverse range of industries. The city has a strong job market, particularly in manufacturing, healthcare, and technology. The cost of living is reasonable, and the business-friendly environment has led to the creation of numerous job opportunities. 🌲Outdoor Recreation: Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Greenville boasts stunning natural scenery and offers a wide range of outdoor activities. Residents can explore hiking and biking trails, enjoy water activities on nearby lakes, and take advantage of the beautiful parks, such as Falls Park on the Reedy River. 🎭Cultural Scene: Greenville has a thriving cultural scene with a variety of arts and entertainment options. The city hosts events like the annual Euphoria food and music festival, provides access to theaters, galleries, and museums, and offers a diverse range of music and performing arts performances throughout the year. 🍝Community and Friendliness: Greenville is known for its welcoming community and friendly atmosphere. The sense of community is evident in various neighborhood events, farmers' markets, and community gatherings. The Southern hospitality and strong community spirit make it an appealing place for those seeking a close-knit and supportive environment. #flagshipproperties #flagship #greenvillesc #greenvillescrealestate #greenvillescrealtor #greenvillerealestate #realtor #realestate #southcarolinarealestate #yeahthatgreenville #upstatesc

REconnect with Nature in the City ++ [creating cozy public spaces > people want to be there > improves local businesses > creates jobs > people are happy] -- "The city is experienced from public space, and cities that transform their public space are cities that transform positively. -- We seek to redefine the public place and therefore make it more complex. The city needs public spaces for older people, to play, to be, etc. Diversity is the key, and the new places will no longer be exclusively squares, streets, or parks. We proposed to redefine the city and therefore to work on new places as spaces of urban opportunity." learn more at https://lnkd.in/eKxzWnfC

Check out my latest article, written from a local's perspective, about what it's like living in North Park, San Diego.

Ohio is a state located in the Midwestern region of the United States. Here are some key facts and features about Ohio: 1. **Geography**: Ohio is bordered by Lake Erie to the north, Pennsylvania to the east, West Virginia and Kentucky to the southeast, Indiana to the west, and Michigan to the northwest. It has diverse geography ranging from flat plains to rolling hills. 2. **Major Cities**: The largest city in Ohio is Columbus, which is also the state capital. Other major cities include Cleveland (known for its cultural institutions and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame), Cincinnati (renowned for its historic architecture and arts scene), and Toledo (known for its glass industry). 3. **Economy**: Ohio has a diverse economy with sectors including manufacturing (especially automobiles and steel), healthcare, education, finance, and agriculture. It is known for being a hub of innovation and research. 4. **Education**: Ohio is home to several prestigious universities and colleges, including Ohio State University in Columbus, Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, and the University of Cincinnati. These institutions contribute significantly to research and development in the state. 5. **Culture**: Ohio has a rich cultural heritage with influences from Native American tribes, European settlers, and African Americans. It is known for its contributions to music (especially rock and roll), arts, and sports. 6. **Sports**: Ohioans are passionate about sports, particularly football and baseball. The state is home to professional sports teams such as the Cleveland Browns (NFL), Cincinnati Bengals (NFL), Cleveland Indians (MLB), and Cincinnati Reds (MLB). 7. **Tourism**: Ohio offers a variety of attractions for tourists, including amusement parks (such as Cedar Point and Kings Island), natural beauty (like Hocking Hills State Park and Lake Erie islands), historical sites (including numerous museums and historic districts), and cultural festivals throughout the year. Overall, Ohio is a state with a rich history, diverse economy, vibrant cultural scene, and numerous attractions that draw visitors from around the world. #Ohio #MidwestUSA #Columbus #Cleveland #Cincinnati #TravelOhio #OhioHistory #OhioCulture #OhioSports #OhioTourism

REASONS TO SIGN THE MANIFESTO: We expressly declare that we are committed to take action for the following goals: 1. Revitalize public spaces to make a big difference to the community’s quality of life. 2. Public spaces as factors of social cohesion. 3. Public spaces contributing to healthy living. 4. The importance of implementing green spaces. 5. City-wide approach. 6. Diversity of functions and productivity of public spaces. 7. Promoting fuller use of the city's great outdoors. 8. Inclusive active public spaces to contrast barriers. 9. Participatory approach and community ownership. 10. Public spaces as self-management laboratories. To sign the manifesto go to: https://lnkd.in/dikhwacX

New publication 🎉 'Remaking a sense of place: Using video methods to research a London ten-pin bowling league'. This paper has had a long gestation period and I'm so glad to see it published! Our hope is that 'the paper contributes to discussions of how video methods might be used in more imaginative and lively ways in social research to foreground the sensory qualities and lived experience of places.' I also hope it's useful for those of you who use the bowling film in teaching. https://lnkd.in/eitUdfrJ