Bridget Marquis
@bridgetmarquis.bsky.social
Director of Reimagining the Civic Commons | passionate about cities and the public realm
Reposted by Bridget Marquis
@civiccommonsus.bsky.social's Bridget Marquis tells @lisabubert.bsky.social why we need civic spaces: “to serve as literal common ground in our communities to counter both loneliness & socioeconomic segregation” -- including at karaoke bars, bowling alleys and churches. tinyurl.com/mvx8sby2
The Healing Power Of Social Friction | NOEMA
Could the key to bridging societal divides be found inside your local karaoke bar?
tinyurl.com
November 13, 2025 at 4:47 PM
@civiccommonsus.bsky.social's Bridget Marquis tells @lisabubert.bsky.social why we need civic spaces: “to serve as literal common ground in our communities to counter both loneliness & socioeconomic segregation” -- including at karaoke bars, bowling alleys and churches. tinyurl.com/mvx8sby2
Read this great take by longtime colleagues @queenleslie1982.bsky.social + @cityobservatory.bsky.social on how Portlanders have fought back authoritarianism with satire and joy — reclaiming their city's narrative and offering a way forward to the rest of us.
www.bizjournals.com/portland/new...
www.bizjournals.com/portland/new...
Opinion: The Frog that saved Portland - Portland Business Journal
Authors Leslie Carlson and Joe Cortright write that the frog is a symbol of resistance. It may also be a symbol of a city reborn.
www.bizjournals.com
November 21, 2025 at 2:42 PM
Read this great take by longtime colleagues @queenleslie1982.bsky.social + @cityobservatory.bsky.social on how Portlanders have fought back authoritarianism with satire and joy — reclaiming their city's narrative and offering a way forward to the rest of us.
www.bizjournals.com/portland/new...
www.bizjournals.com/portland/new...
Reposted by Bridget Marquis
medium.com/reimagining-...
Halloween is special: We stay out after dark, we open our doors, and we invite children to take candy from strangers. The activity spills onto streets, making it one of the few holidays rooted in our shared civic realm. That’s why it feels so transformative.
Halloween is special: We stay out after dark, we open our doors, and we invite children to take candy from strangers. The activity spills onto streets, making it one of the few holidays rooted in our shared civic realm. That’s why it feels so transformative.
What Halloween Can Teach Us About Civic Life
On this special holiday, strangers open their doors, kids roam the streets after dark and neighbors actually talk. Why only once a year?
medium.com
October 27, 2025 at 1:32 PM
medium.com/reimagining-...
Halloween is special: We stay out after dark, we open our doors, and we invite children to take candy from strangers. The activity spills onto streets, making it one of the few holidays rooted in our shared civic realm. That’s why it feels so transformative.
Halloween is special: We stay out after dark, we open our doors, and we invite children to take candy from strangers. The activity spills onto streets, making it one of the few holidays rooted in our shared civic realm. That’s why it feels so transformative.
Reposted by Bridget Marquis
NEW: Investing with Intention: Environmental Sustainability is now available.
Public spaces can be powerful climate infrastructure & help cool overheated cities, absorb stormwater & strengthen social ties critical to resilience. Read the report as we head into #ClimateWeekNYC. tinyurl.com/5vdskjwy
Public spaces can be powerful climate infrastructure & help cool overheated cities, absorb stormwater & strengthen social ties critical to resilience. Read the report as we head into #ClimateWeekNYC. tinyurl.com/5vdskjwy
September 22, 2025 at 12:46 PM
NEW: Investing with Intention: Environmental Sustainability is now available.
Public spaces can be powerful climate infrastructure & help cool overheated cities, absorb stormwater & strengthen social ties critical to resilience. Read the report as we head into #ClimateWeekNYC. tinyurl.com/5vdskjwy
Public spaces can be powerful climate infrastructure & help cool overheated cities, absorb stormwater & strengthen social ties critical to resilience. Read the report as we head into #ClimateWeekNYC. tinyurl.com/5vdskjwy
Reposted by Bridget Marquis
We know that #socialinfrastructure - parks, libraries, and cafes - are critical. Help our panel on this important topic get into @sxsw by voting for it!
participate.sxsw.com/flow/sxsw/sx...
participate.sxsw.com/flow/sxsw/sx...
August 8, 2025 at 3:49 PM
We know that #socialinfrastructure - parks, libraries, and cafes - are critical. Help our panel on this important topic get into @sxsw by voting for it!
participate.sxsw.com/flow/sxsw/sx...
participate.sxsw.com/flow/sxsw/sx...
Reposted by Bridget Marquis
Protecting public space is essential for democracy, writes Shawn McCaney in @nextcity.org op-ed. "Our Founding Fathers knew that public space to openly debate the people’s business was critical to self-government and the health of our democracy. Let’s not let them down." More: tinyurl.com/2erfw9fj
August 6, 2025 at 7:16 PM
Protecting public space is essential for democracy, writes Shawn McCaney in @nextcity.org op-ed. "Our Founding Fathers knew that public space to openly debate the people’s business was critical to self-government and the health of our democracy. Let’s not let them down." More: tinyurl.com/2erfw9fj
Reposted by Bridget Marquis
Civic Commons cities in the spotlight! @brookings.edu recently featured Akron & Cincinnati's "policy innovation and civic collaboration that local leaders in places of all sizes can learn from to unlock a new era of downtown vitality that advances regional prosperity." Read: tinyurl.com/8zj5e2v3
August 4, 2025 at 12:57 PM
Civic Commons cities in the spotlight! @brookings.edu recently featured Akron & Cincinnati's "policy innovation and civic collaboration that local leaders in places of all sizes can learn from to unlock a new era of downtown vitality that advances regional prosperity." Read: tinyurl.com/8zj5e2v3
Reposted by Bridget Marquis
Small is Beautiful: When it comes to the public realm, a small space doesn’t have to mean small thinking. Read our new article to see how 5 cities are building social connection and trust through pocket parks and beaches, converted lots and multi-functional public spaces: medium.com/reimagining-...
Small is Beautiful
When it comes to public spaces, a small space doesn’t have to mean small thinking.
medium.com
July 29, 2025 at 12:46 PM
Small is Beautiful: When it comes to the public realm, a small space doesn’t have to mean small thinking. Read our new article to see how 5 cities are building social connection and trust through pocket parks and beaches, converted lots and multi-functional public spaces: medium.com/reimagining-...
Reposted by Bridget Marquis
“Reimagining the Civic Commons broke new ground on collecting impact data.”
A new @chronphilanthropy.bsky.social article shines a spotlight on our measurement work through Akron Civic Commons's efforts and offers 4 applicable approaches for the field.
Read more: www.philanthropy.com/article/how-...
A new @chronphilanthropy.bsky.social article shines a spotlight on our measurement work through Akron Civic Commons's efforts and offers 4 applicable approaches for the field.
Read more: www.philanthropy.com/article/how-...
How 59 Data Points Helped Foundations Spark Elusive Change
Big foundations behind a multicity project are trying to measure the intangibles of community building. In one Akron, Ohio, neighborhood, the numbers are adding up to something good.
www.philanthropy.com
July 24, 2025 at 9:48 PM
“Reimagining the Civic Commons broke new ground on collecting impact data.”
A new @chronphilanthropy.bsky.social article shines a spotlight on our measurement work through Akron Civic Commons's efforts and offers 4 applicable approaches for the field.
Read more: www.philanthropy.com/article/how-...
A new @chronphilanthropy.bsky.social article shines a spotlight on our measurement work through Akron Civic Commons's efforts and offers 4 applicable approaches for the field.
Read more: www.philanthropy.com/article/how-...
Reposted by Bridget Marquis
Big foundations behind a multicity project are trying to measure the intangibles of community building. In one Akron, Ohio, neighborhood, the numbers are adding up to something good. #TheCommons
phlnthrp.com/3GZsb0w
phlnthrp.com/3GZsb0w
How 59 Data Points Helped Foundations Spark Elusive Change
Big foundations behind a multicity project are trying to measure the intangibles of community building. In one Akron, Ohio, neighborhood, the numbers are adding up to something good.
phlnthrp.com
July 23, 2025 at 2:24 PM
Big foundations behind a multicity project are trying to measure the intangibles of community building. In one Akron, Ohio, neighborhood, the numbers are adding up to something good. #TheCommons
phlnthrp.com/3GZsb0w
phlnthrp.com/3GZsb0w
Reposted by Bridget Marquis
NEW: After disasters, your community’s investment in social infrastructure - like libraries and parks - can affect how quickly recovery happens.
In New Orleans, researchers found that neighborhoods with strong social ties recovered more quickly after Hurricane Katrina. Read more: bit.ly/4n06uxv
In New Orleans, researchers found that neighborhoods with strong social ties recovered more quickly after Hurricane Katrina. Read more: bit.ly/4n06uxv
June 17, 2025 at 12:42 PM
NEW: After disasters, your community’s investment in social infrastructure - like libraries and parks - can affect how quickly recovery happens.
In New Orleans, researchers found that neighborhoods with strong social ties recovered more quickly after Hurricane Katrina. Read more: bit.ly/4n06uxv
In New Orleans, researchers found that neighborhoods with strong social ties recovered more quickly after Hurricane Katrina. Read more: bit.ly/4n06uxv
Reposted by Bridget Marquis
The freedom to gather in our public spaces and express free speech has always been essential to America, Shawn McCaney of the William Penn Foundation writes in @thephilacitizen.bsky.social.
Read more here: thephiladelphiacitizen.org/protests-as-...
Read more here: thephiladelphiacitizen.org/protests-as-...
June 16, 2025 at 1:52 PM
The freedom to gather in our public spaces and express free speech has always been essential to America, Shawn McCaney of the William Penn Foundation writes in @thephilacitizen.bsky.social.
Read more here: thephiladelphiacitizen.org/protests-as-...
Read more here: thephiladelphiacitizen.org/protests-as-...
Reposted by Bridget Marquis
Bridget Marquis - dir. of @civiccommonsus.bsky.social - is in @thephilacitizen.bsky.social piece about Philly's We Walk PHL program that grows social capital, civic engagement & amps up shared identity. Every city could try this model and get more "bang for your buck," Marquis said: bit.ly/43zM07g
“Keep Moving, Whatever You Do”
We Walk PHL has logged over 3,000 walks in 28 city locations in eight years. It’s reshaping how Philadelphians feel and appreciate their parks
thephiladelphiacitizen.org
June 10, 2025 at 1:16 PM
Bridget Marquis - dir. of @civiccommonsus.bsky.social - is in @thephilacitizen.bsky.social piece about Philly's We Walk PHL program that grows social capital, civic engagement & amps up shared identity. Every city could try this model and get more "bang for your buck," Marquis said: bit.ly/43zM07g
Reposted by Bridget Marquis
Mark your calendars! On 6/10 @civiccommonsus.bsky.social
Steering Committee member & eternal champion Alexa Bush joins @penalosag.bsky.social + @880cities.bsky.social
for free online presentation & conversation about
@cityofdetroit.bsky.social civic commons efforts. Register here: bit.ly/3FDIwr7
Steering Committee member & eternal champion Alexa Bush joins @penalosag.bsky.social + @880cities.bsky.social
for free online presentation & conversation about
@cityofdetroit.bsky.social civic commons efforts. Register here: bit.ly/3FDIwr7
June 4, 2025 at 1:29 PM
Mark your calendars! On 6/10 @civiccommonsus.bsky.social
Steering Committee member & eternal champion Alexa Bush joins @penalosag.bsky.social + @880cities.bsky.social
for free online presentation & conversation about
@cityofdetroit.bsky.social civic commons efforts. Register here: bit.ly/3FDIwr7
Steering Committee member & eternal champion Alexa Bush joins @penalosag.bsky.social + @880cities.bsky.social
for free online presentation & conversation about
@cityofdetroit.bsky.social civic commons efforts. Register here: bit.ly/3FDIwr7
Reposted by Bridget Marquis
Big cheers for Detroit's Live6 Alliance, officially designated a Select Level Michigan Main Street Community by Gov. Whitmer. Building on Detroit's Civic Commons efforts, this designation allocates resources for Live6’s vision of inclusive economic community growth. See more: tinyurl.com/y6usm62w
Live6 Alliance Chosen for Select Level Michigan Main Street Program | Michigan Business
Live6 Alliance joins 22 other Michigan communities taking a strategic approach to revitalizing their downtowns and commercial districts
tinyurl.com
June 2, 2025 at 6:31 PM
Big cheers for Detroit's Live6 Alliance, officially designated a Select Level Michigan Main Street Community by Gov. Whitmer. Building on Detroit's Civic Commons efforts, this designation allocates resources for Live6’s vision of inclusive economic community growth. See more: tinyurl.com/y6usm62w
Reposted by Bridget Marquis
NEW: Finding Friendship and Connection Through the Public Realm. We explore 6 cities that show how imaginative use of public and nontraditional spaces can bring people together and grow community.
Read: medium.com/reimagining-...
Read: medium.com/reimagining-...
Finding Friendship and Connection Through the Public Realm
6 cities are showing how imaginative use of public and nontraditional spaces can bring people together and grow community.
medium.com
June 3, 2025 at 2:35 PM
NEW: Finding Friendship and Connection Through the Public Realm. We explore 6 cities that show how imaginative use of public and nontraditional spaces can bring people together and grow community.
Read: medium.com/reimagining-...
Read: medium.com/reimagining-...
Reposted by Bridget Marquis
"Despite the backlash, we found that Slow Zones double foot traffic and attract people from a wider range of neighborhoods into one particular place." Dr. Arianna Salazar-Miranda 👇
medium.com/reimagining-...
medium.com/reimagining-...
The Lost Art of Lingering
The way people behave in public space is changing. A researcher has ideas about why — and how we can make cities more equitable and…
medium.com
May 23, 2025 at 1:01 PM
"Despite the backlash, we found that Slow Zones double foot traffic and attract people from a wider range of neighborhoods into one particular place." Dr. Arianna Salazar-Miranda 👇
medium.com/reimagining-...
medium.com/reimagining-...
Reposted by Bridget Marquis
NEW: The way we behave outside is changing - we're not lingering with others in public spaces. Dr. Salazar-Miranda's research says we lose "broader social function of cities" "when people treat sidewalks and paths as primarily just corridors to get from point A to point B.” Read more: bit.ly/4dtJtyI
The Lost Art of Lingering
The way people behave in public space is changing. A researcher has ideas about why — and how we can make cities more equitable and…
bit.ly
May 20, 2025 at 12:29 PM
NEW: The way we behave outside is changing - we're not lingering with others in public spaces. Dr. Salazar-Miranda's research says we lose "broader social function of cities" "when people treat sidewalks and paths as primarily just corridors to get from point A to point B.” Read more: bit.ly/4dtJtyI
Reposted by Bridget Marquis
A leafy pop-up town square by Civic Joy Fund + partners in San Fran has neighbors asking how to make it permanent.
We’ve seen through our work that pilots that help residents picture a different future for their communities leads to robust civic commons. Read more @sfgate.com tinyurl.com/2wwmkrx9
We’ve seen through our work that pilots that help residents picture a different future for their communities leads to robust civic commons. Read more @sfgate.com tinyurl.com/2wwmkrx9
Tiny San Francisco neighborhood embraces huge idea for safer street
San Francisco's night markets evolve with a new pop-up town square in Cole Valley — more than 500 plants, seating and a fresh take on public space activation.
tinyurl.com
April 29, 2025 at 12:51 PM
A leafy pop-up town square by Civic Joy Fund + partners in San Fran has neighbors asking how to make it permanent.
We’ve seen through our work that pilots that help residents picture a different future for their communities leads to robust civic commons. Read more @sfgate.com tinyurl.com/2wwmkrx9
We’ve seen through our work that pilots that help residents picture a different future for their communities leads to robust civic commons. Read more @sfgate.com tinyurl.com/2wwmkrx9
Reposted by Bridget Marquis
NEW: Maintenance matters. Researchers found that ensuring that public spaces are safe and welcoming encourages communal gatherings and reduces social isolation.
See how 4 cities are prioritizing the maintenance of public assets to build trust.
medium.com/reimagining-...
See how 4 cities are prioritizing the maintenance of public assets to build trust.
medium.com/reimagining-...
May 6, 2025 at 1:12 PM
NEW: Maintenance matters. Researchers found that ensuring that public spaces are safe and welcoming encourages communal gatherings and reduces social isolation.
See how 4 cities are prioritizing the maintenance of public assets to build trust.
medium.com/reimagining-...
See how 4 cities are prioritizing the maintenance of public assets to build trust.
medium.com/reimagining-...
Reposted by Bridget Marquis
Thanks to @betterblock.bsky.social and @civiccommonsus.bsky.social for having me out to speak today about Route 66 and the City of Tulsa's neon sign grant, specifically how it's helped develop and engage the community. Enjoy magic hour later!
May 1, 2025 at 9:30 PM
Thanks to @betterblock.bsky.social and @civiccommonsus.bsky.social for having me out to speak today about Route 66 and the City of Tulsa's neon sign grant, specifically how it's helped develop and engage the community. Enjoy magic hour later!
Reposted by Bridget Marquis
Kudos to Akron Civic Commons where the Summit Lake NorthShore Park groundbreaking last week was big news! Helmed by a group including convener Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition and @knightfoundation.org, the park is part of $12 mil revitalization of Summit Lake: www.beaconjournal.com/videos/news/...
Summit Lake embarks on next phase of transformation with NorthShore groundbreaking
Neighborhood revitalization effort will bring lakefront leisure activities to long-overlooked Akron neighborhood.
www.beaconjournal.com
April 14, 2025 at 4:33 PM
Kudos to Akron Civic Commons where the Summit Lake NorthShore Park groundbreaking last week was big news! Helmed by a group including convener Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition and @knightfoundation.org, the park is part of $12 mil revitalization of Summit Lake: www.beaconjournal.com/videos/news/...
Reposted by Bridget Marquis
Getting Our Kids Off Devices and Into Public Spaces:
In-person social connections & activities are key to teens' mental health & growth as they figure out who they are, how they fit into the world – and to connect to something bigger.
Read about 3 inspiring spaces for them: tinyurl.com/9mrxp2ke
In-person social connections & activities are key to teens' mental health & growth as they figure out who they are, how they fit into the world – and to connect to something bigger.
Read about 3 inspiring spaces for them: tinyurl.com/9mrxp2ke
Getting Our Kids Off Devices and Into Public Spaces
Why creating opportunities for in-person teen interaction is so critical
tinyurl.com
April 22, 2025 at 12:53 PM
Getting Our Kids Off Devices and Into Public Spaces:
In-person social connections & activities are key to teens' mental health & growth as they figure out who they are, how they fit into the world – and to connect to something bigger.
Read about 3 inspiring spaces for them: tinyurl.com/9mrxp2ke
In-person social connections & activities are key to teens' mental health & growth as they figure out who they are, how they fit into the world – and to connect to something bigger.
Read about 3 inspiring spaces for them: tinyurl.com/9mrxp2ke
Reposted by Bridget Marquis
Will you be at Main Street Now in Philly this week?
Join @civiccommonsus.bsky.social & partners in session:
🚦 Meet Me on Main: Nurturing + Measuring Social Connection
🚧 Building Community Connections: Exploring Civic Infrastructure Thru Shared Spaces
bit.ly/3RBBKEv
@mainstreetamerica.bsky.social
Join @civiccommonsus.bsky.social & partners in session:
🚦 Meet Me on Main: Nurturing + Measuring Social Connection
🚧 Building Community Connections: Exploring Civic Infrastructure Thru Shared Spaces
bit.ly/3RBBKEv
@mainstreetamerica.bsky.social
April 7, 2025 at 2:04 PM
Will you be at Main Street Now in Philly this week?
Join @civiccommonsus.bsky.social & partners in session:
🚦 Meet Me on Main: Nurturing + Measuring Social Connection
🚧 Building Community Connections: Exploring Civic Infrastructure Thru Shared Spaces
bit.ly/3RBBKEv
@mainstreetamerica.bsky.social
Join @civiccommonsus.bsky.social & partners in session:
🚦 Meet Me on Main: Nurturing + Measuring Social Connection
🚧 Building Community Connections: Exploring Civic Infrastructure Thru Shared Spaces
bit.ly/3RBBKEv
@mainstreetamerica.bsky.social
Reposted by Bridget Marquis
Check out @northeasternu.bsky.social boosting Professor @danielaldrich.bsky.social in conversation with Bridget Marquis about robust social infrastructure as tools for recovery from disaster and crises.
Read the full article and see the Q&A at medium.com/reimagining-...
Read the full article and see the Q&A at medium.com/reimagining-...
April 3, 2025 at 8:14 PM
Check out @northeasternu.bsky.social boosting Professor @danielaldrich.bsky.social in conversation with Bridget Marquis about robust social infrastructure as tools for recovery from disaster and crises.
Read the full article and see the Q&A at medium.com/reimagining-...
Read the full article and see the Q&A at medium.com/reimagining-...