Reimagining the Civic Commons
@civiccommonsus.bsky.social
An ambitious national initiative demonstrating that strategic investments in public spaces can connect people of all backgrounds, cultivate trust and create more resilient communities
New research finds that the power of connecting with strangers can not only boost your mood as you chat with fellow shoppers or commuters, but can actually help build a better, stronger society. greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item...
Why Loving Moments With Strangers Carry Lasting Benefits
New research finds that connecting with strangers not only boosts your mood—it helps build a kinder, more cooperative society.
greatergood.berkeley.edu
January 23, 2026 at 3:14 PM
New research finds that the power of connecting with strangers can not only boost your mood as you chat with fellow shoppers or commuters, but can actually help build a better, stronger society. greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item...
NEW: In a year of federal upheaval and deepening national divisions, the work of the 10 Reimagining the Civic Commons cities was a beacon of strength and resiliency in their local public realm.
Take a look at how these cities across America advanced their work in 2025. Read: tinyurl.com/yc2rk6wv
Take a look at how these cities across America advanced their work in 2025. Read: tinyurl.com/yc2rk6wv
Through Community Building and Public Space, These 10 American Cities Are Preparing for the Future
How Civic Commons teams are leaning into social infrastructure to weather tumultuous times
tinyurl.com
January 13, 2026 at 3:37 PM
NEW: In a year of federal upheaval and deepening national divisions, the work of the 10 Reimagining the Civic Commons cities was a beacon of strength and resiliency in their local public realm.
Take a look at how these cities across America advanced their work in 2025. Read: tinyurl.com/yc2rk6wv
Take a look at how these cities across America advanced their work in 2025. Read: tinyurl.com/yc2rk6wv
Philadelphia is number one on the @wsj.com best places to visit in 2026, featuring Fairmount Park and the slate of upcoming celebrations for the 250th anniversary of the country’s founding.
Read more: www.wsj.com/lifestyle/tr...
📷 by Michelle Gustafson
Read more: www.wsj.com/lifestyle/tr...
📷 by Michelle Gustafson
January 5, 2026 at 3:25 PM
Philadelphia is number one on the @wsj.com best places to visit in 2026, featuring Fairmount Park and the slate of upcoming celebrations for the 250th anniversary of the country’s founding.
Read more: www.wsj.com/lifestyle/tr...
📷 by Michelle Gustafson
Read more: www.wsj.com/lifestyle/tr...
📷 by Michelle Gustafson
Spend time with people to enliven the new year—including fellow shoppers and staffers at local shops. Clinical psychologist Stephanie Fitzgerald says socializing is esp important in winter, when people crave oxytocin from closeness & physical contact—running errands can help. tinyurl.com/52pff4d2
Worried about winter? 10 ways to thrive – from socialising to Sad lamps to celebrating the new year in April
The temptation is to sit at home and hibernate, but beating the winter blues can be done. Here’s how to embrace the coldest and arguably most beautiful season
www.theguardian.com
January 1, 2026 at 5:20 PM
Spend time with people to enliven the new year—including fellow shoppers and staffers at local shops. Clinical psychologist Stephanie Fitzgerald says socializing is esp important in winter, when people crave oxytocin from closeness & physical contact—running errands can help. tinyurl.com/52pff4d2
NEW: When nurturing, healing and care happen in public spaces, people benefit and communities become stronger as a more hopeful, connected society. Read our latest Medium article to see how public spaces around the country are supporting our mental and physical well-being.
tinyurl.com/yktju72e
tinyurl.com/yktju72e
How the Public Realm Aids in Healing and Growing
When nurturing and care happen in public spaces, people benefit and communities become stronger
medium.com
December 16, 2025 at 3:35 PM
NEW: When nurturing, healing and care happen in public spaces, people benefit and communities become stronger as a more hopeful, connected society. Read our latest Medium article to see how public spaces around the country are supporting our mental and physical well-being.
tinyurl.com/yktju72e
tinyurl.com/yktju72e
NEW: In difficult national times, local efforts can shine. Cincinnati's local orgs are investing in public space for their communities – even as the fed government pulls back from their projects. See 5 takeaways from our Civic Commons Studio #10: Local Power, Lasting Impact: tinyurl.com/22pfrxc4
During Times of National Turmoil, The Power of Leading Through Local
How one city is meeting the moment during a challenging national climate
tinyurl.com
December 12, 2025 at 2:41 PM
NEW: In difficult national times, local efforts can shine. Cincinnati's local orgs are investing in public space for their communities – even as the fed government pulls back from their projects. See 5 takeaways from our Civic Commons Studio #10: Local Power, Lasting Impact: tinyurl.com/22pfrxc4
1/ In new @99percentinvisible.bsky.social episode about kids and urbanism, @langealexandra.bsky.social calls out Philly's Anna C. Verna Playground at FDR Park as welcoming to all kids including teens - especially the 20-seat swing set:
December 8, 2025 at 4:34 PM
1/ In new @99percentinvisible.bsky.social episode about kids and urbanism, @langealexandra.bsky.social calls out Philly's Anna C. Verna Playground at FDR Park as welcoming to all kids including teens - especially the 20-seat swing set:
Today’s libraries are becoming engines of civic life, drawing and connecting people and communities together.
The Memphis library system is going further, turning its branches into creative hubs through its Innovator-in-Residence program. Read our latest article to learn more: tinyurl.com/4cxu33f2
The Memphis library system is going further, turning its branches into creative hubs through its Innovator-in-Residence program. Read our latest article to learn more: tinyurl.com/4cxu33f2
From Library to Launchpad
How Memphis’ Innovator-in-Residence program is evolving public libraries into creative hubs
medium.com
November 25, 2025 at 3:14 PM
Today’s libraries are becoming engines of civic life, drawing and connecting people and communities together.
The Memphis library system is going further, turning its branches into creative hubs through its Innovator-in-Residence program. Read our latest article to learn more: tinyurl.com/4cxu33f2
The Memphis library system is going further, turning its branches into creative hubs through its Innovator-in-Residence program. Read our latest article to learn more: tinyurl.com/4cxu33f2
Long white benches with seating for 700 people unfurl and wind through London’s Strand district like snowy serpents – showing how using thoughtful high-quality design in public space provides not only seating, but also creates areas for performance, gathering and art.
www.dezeen.com/2025/11/04/u...
www.dezeen.com/2025/11/04/u...
Undulating wooden benches provide versatile public seating on London's Strand
Visitors to a recently pedestrianised public space in London can perch on seating installations created for the site by LDA Design and Millimetre.
www.dezeen.com
November 14, 2025 at 5:09 PM
Long white benches with seating for 700 people unfurl and wind through London’s Strand district like snowy serpents – showing how using thoughtful high-quality design in public space provides not only seating, but also creates areas for performance, gathering and art.
www.dezeen.com/2025/11/04/u...
www.dezeen.com/2025/11/04/u...
@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
In Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey's 3rd term, he needs to “support a just built environment” with housing, transit and open space, says Paul Bauknight, Civic Commons co-convener for the Twin Cities.
“The city’s physical development will show us what we truly value as a society." tinyurl.com/2469pjah
“The city’s physical development will show us what we truly value as a society." tinyurl.com/2469pjah
Readers Write: Minneapolis mayor, tariffs, housing, Target’s priorities, eavesdropping
A re-elected Frey should commit to a just built environment.
www.startribune.com
November 12, 2025 at 2:28 PM
In Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey's 3rd term, he needs to “support a just built environment” with housing, transit and open space, says Paul Bauknight, Civic Commons co-convener for the Twin Cities.
“The city’s physical development will show us what we truly value as a society." tinyurl.com/2469pjah
“The city’s physical development will show us what we truly value as a society." tinyurl.com/2469pjah
When a new park opened near a Lexington cafe, business picked up - as did the area's vibe. "More people walk by the shop and just say ‘hi’ as if we're neighbors," the owner said.
High-quality public spaces benefit small businesses' bottom line and their bonds with communities. tinyurl.com/42sek9aa
High-quality public spaces benefit small businesses' bottom line and their bonds with communities. tinyurl.com/42sek9aa
How Civic Infrastructure Powers Small Local Businesses
Public spaces benefit communities on many levels — including the people who run the shops, stores, local services and eateries that depend…
tinyurl.com
November 11, 2025 at 3:25 PM
When a new park opened near a Lexington cafe, business picked up - as did the area's vibe. "More people walk by the shop and just say ‘hi’ as if we're neighbors," the owner said.
High-quality public spaces benefit small businesses' bottom line and their bonds with communities. tinyurl.com/42sek9aa
High-quality public spaces benefit small businesses' bottom line and their bonds with communities. tinyurl.com/42sek9aa
New research finds that people who feel belonging and a sense of purpose in community — even more than family & religious ties — seem to age more slowly on molecular level. "Social capital...might work the same way as cellular capital, influencing how long (& how) well we live.”
tinyurl.com/2nudfb98
tinyurl.com/2nudfb98
Strong Social Bonds Might Help Slow Aging
Clinical relevance People with enduring, well-rounded social ties show molecular signs of slower aging, according to new research.
tinyurl.com
November 7, 2025 at 2:34 PM
New research finds that people who feel belonging and a sense of purpose in community — even more than family & religious ties — seem to age more slowly on molecular level. "Social capital...might work the same way as cellular capital, influencing how long (& how) well we live.”
tinyurl.com/2nudfb98
tinyurl.com/2nudfb98
KUDOS to Carol Coletta, a force behind @civiccommonsus.bsky.social! She has received 2025 ULI Prize for Visionaries in Urban Development for commitment to public space. "I have this heart for public life, because I do believe it forges community in ways that nothing else does." tinyurl.com/2a3tz4xp
UL Interview: Carol Coletta, 2025 ULI Visionary Prize Winner
Visionary placemaking leader Carol Coletta, recognized for her transformative impact on urban environments, to receive the ULI Prize for Visionaries in Urban Development.
urbanland.uli.org
November 4, 2025 at 3:22 PM
KUDOS to Carol Coletta, a force behind @civiccommonsus.bsky.social! She has received 2025 ULI Prize for Visionaries in Urban Development for commitment to public space. "I have this heart for public life, because I do believe it forges community in ways that nothing else does." tinyurl.com/2a3tz4xp
🎃 On Halloween we see our streets become welcoming, making Oct. 31 one of the few mainstream holidays rooted in our shared civic realm. That’s why it feels so transformative: it turns the everyday stage of neighborhood life into a collective exercise in connection. Read more: tinyurl.com/bdxznejk
October 31, 2025 at 2:41 PM
🎃 On Halloween we see our streets become welcoming, making Oct. 31 one of the few mainstream holidays rooted in our shared civic realm. That’s why it feels so transformative: it turns the everyday stage of neighborhood life into a collective exercise in connection. Read more: tinyurl.com/bdxznejk
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.
HUGE congrats to Tonika Johnson for the MacArthur "Genius" Grant, for the "exceptional creativity" in her social justice advocacy and artwork!
She spoke with Bronlynn Thurman at our 2023 Macon Studio about her Folded Map Project – take a look at their conversation: tinyurl.com/mr2axmdm
She spoke with Bronlynn Thurman at our 2023 Macon Studio about her Folded Map Project – take a look at their conversation: tinyurl.com/mr2axmdm
Can a Folded Map Unite Us?
A conversation on segregation and diversity with social justice artist Tonika Lewis Johnson
medium.com
October 23, 2025 at 6:49 PM
HUGE congrats to Tonika Johnson for the MacArthur "Genius" Grant, for the "exceptional creativity" in her social justice advocacy and artwork!
She spoke with Bronlynn Thurman at our 2023 Macon Studio about her Folded Map Project – take a look at their conversation: tinyurl.com/mr2axmdm
She spoke with Bronlynn Thurman at our 2023 Macon Studio about her Folded Map Project – take a look at their conversation: tinyurl.com/mr2axmdm
On Strawberry Mansion CDC's work on Coltrane House:
“To have had so much taken away from us and so much disinvestment, to see this revitalization here—and not only to see it but to be part of it and have ownership in it—that’s what I celebrate,” Tonnetta Graham told @whyy.org.
tinyurl.com/mt29hbek
“To have had so much taken away from us and so much disinvestment, to see this revitalization here—and not only to see it but to be part of it and have ownership in it—that’s what I celebrate,” Tonnetta Graham told @whyy.org.
tinyurl.com/mt29hbek
October 22, 2025 at 7:02 PM
On Strawberry Mansion CDC's work on Coltrane House:
“To have had so much taken away from us and so much disinvestment, to see this revitalization here—and not only to see it but to be part of it and have ownership in it—that’s what I celebrate,” Tonnetta Graham told @whyy.org.
tinyurl.com/mt29hbek
“To have had so much taken away from us and so much disinvestment, to see this revitalization here—and not only to see it but to be part of it and have ownership in it—that’s what I celebrate,” Tonnetta Graham told @whyy.org.
tinyurl.com/mt29hbek
An early @civiccommonsus.bsky.social project, this vacant Chicago school became arts incubator bc of artist Theaster Gates. "There’s this illusion...that we don’t deserve great and significant things,” he said. “We never needed a perfect space. We just needed one that was ours.” tinyurl.com/msudbkm5
‘A wonderful space for joy’: Former Greater Grand Crossing school reopened as arts incubator
The Rebuild Foundation and artist Theaster Gates hosted the grand opening of arts incubator the Land School this week, revamping a space vacant since 2002.
www.chicagotribune.com
October 9, 2025 at 4:24 PM
An early @civiccommonsus.bsky.social project, this vacant Chicago school became arts incubator bc of artist Theaster Gates. "There’s this illusion...that we don’t deserve great and significant things,” he said. “We never needed a perfect space. We just needed one that was ours.” tinyurl.com/msudbkm5
NEW: Akron's downtown is small – but has a big impact on local economy & culture and is focus for the city's rebranding as a "welcoming place for all people," said a city official. "The downtown is probably where that heart beats the loudest.”
More on downtown Akron's rebirth: tinyurl.com/37x2k7jt
More on downtown Akron's rebirth: tinyurl.com/37x2k7jt
Akron Bets Big on Parks to Revitalize Downtown
Akron, Ohio, reopened a major downtown park after a $17 million renovation last year, part of a strategy to promote downtown growth by…
tinyurl.com
October 7, 2025 at 12:54 PM
NEW: Akron's downtown is small – but has a big impact on local economy & culture and is focus for the city's rebranding as a "welcoming place for all people," said a city official. "The downtown is probably where that heart beats the loudest.”
More on downtown Akron's rebirth: tinyurl.com/37x2k7jt
More on downtown Akron's rebirth: tinyurl.com/37x2k7jt
Atlanta planners built Cook Park as a public park – and as climate infrastructure to capture stormwater, according to @nytimes.com.
Similarly, Singapore's Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park was created when a drainage ditch was replaced with meandering waterways evoking streams.
Read: tinyurl.com/5vdskjwy
Similarly, Singapore's Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park was created when a drainage ditch was replaced with meandering waterways evoking streams.
Read: tinyurl.com/5vdskjwy
October 6, 2025 at 1:53 PM
Atlanta planners built Cook Park as a public park – and as climate infrastructure to capture stormwater, according to @nytimes.com.
Similarly, Singapore's Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park was created when a drainage ditch was replaced with meandering waterways evoking streams.
Read: tinyurl.com/5vdskjwy
Similarly, Singapore's Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park was created when a drainage ditch was replaced with meandering waterways evoking streams.
Read: tinyurl.com/5vdskjwy
When turning a road into pedestrian space, Stockholm planners framed the idea as temporary pop-ups to ease concerns from car-owners, who were won over by the charming parklets.
The # of participating streets started with 2 in 2015 – to now more than 40 streets every summer. tinyurl.com/4e7w6tfc
The # of participating streets started with 2 in 2015 – to now more than 40 streets every summer. tinyurl.com/4e7w6tfc
October 3, 2025 at 1:29 PM
When turning a road into pedestrian space, Stockholm planners framed the idea as temporary pop-ups to ease concerns from car-owners, who were won over by the charming parklets.
The # of participating streets started with 2 in 2015 – to now more than 40 streets every summer. tinyurl.com/4e7w6tfc
The # of participating streets started with 2 in 2015 – to now more than 40 streets every summer. tinyurl.com/4e7w6tfc
A kayak kiosk on the creek – it's not a tongue twister, it's the newest amenity on Mill Creek in Cincinnati.
The city’s first kayak rental operation is another opportunity for people to connect to nature and see Cincinnati's public spaces from a different angle.
www.wvxu.org/local-news/2...
The city’s first kayak rental operation is another opportunity for people to connect to nature and see Cincinnati's public spaces from a different angle.
www.wvxu.org/local-news/2...
It just got easier to float Cincinnati's central waterway
A new pilot program allows users to rent kayaks from a remote kiosk at Salway Park in Northside.
www.wvxu.org
October 1, 2025 at 1:06 PM
A kayak kiosk on the creek – it's not a tongue twister, it's the newest amenity on Mill Creek in Cincinnati.
The city’s first kayak rental operation is another opportunity for people to connect to nature and see Cincinnati's public spaces from a different angle.
www.wvxu.org/local-news/2...
The city’s first kayak rental operation is another opportunity for people to connect to nature and see Cincinnati's public spaces from a different angle.
www.wvxu.org/local-news/2...
NEW: Around the world, cities are being adaptive and resilient in the face of climate change.
In our latest article, we look at examples where communities are working to mitigate environmental decline – from building green infrastructure to encouraging social connection. Read:
tinyurl.com/4244vrev
In our latest article, we look at examples where communities are working to mitigate environmental decline – from building green infrastructure to encouraging social connection. Read:
tinyurl.com/4244vrev
Resilient Cities in Action, in Progress
How public spaces can be powerful climate infrastructure
medium.com
September 30, 2025 at 12:56 PM
NEW: Around the world, cities are being adaptive and resilient in the face of climate change.
In our latest article, we look at examples where communities are working to mitigate environmental decline – from building green infrastructure to encouraging social connection. Read:
tinyurl.com/4244vrev
In our latest article, we look at examples where communities are working to mitigate environmental decline – from building green infrastructure to encouraging social connection. Read:
tinyurl.com/4244vrev
Plans for Georgia’s potential first national park are moving forward! Meetings about the proposed Ocmulgee Mounds National Park and Preserve start this week around Macon-Bibb, Houston and Twiggs counties and a virtual meeting later this month - see www.ocmulgeepark.org/strategicplan for details
Strategic Plan — Ocmulgee National Park & Preserve Initiative
www.ocmulgeepark.org
September 29, 2025 at 6:24 PM
Plans for Georgia’s potential first national park are moving forward! Meetings about the proposed Ocmulgee Mounds National Park and Preserve start this week around Macon-Bibb, Houston and Twiggs counties and a virtual meeting later this month - see www.ocmulgeepark.org/strategicplan for details