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
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
As climate change drives more severe weather and natural disasters, how can cities prepare for recovery?
Research shows communities with robust social infrastructure – like parks and cafes – had better recovery compared to more traditional infrastructure. READ: tinyurl.com/5vdskjwy #climateweeknyc
Research shows communities with robust social infrastructure – like parks and cafes – had better recovery compared to more traditional infrastructure. READ: tinyurl.com/5vdskjwy #climateweeknyc
Investing with Intention: Environmental Sustainability - Reimagining the Civic Commons
Environmental sustainability is a core outcome of Reimagining the Civic Commons. Public spaces — our parks, libraries, trails,...
civiccommons.us
September 26, 2025 at 12:48 PM
As climate change drives more severe weather and natural disasters, how can cities prepare for recovery?
Research shows communities with robust social infrastructure – like parks and cafes – had better recovery compared to more traditional infrastructure. READ: tinyurl.com/5vdskjwy #climateweeknyc
Research shows communities with robust social infrastructure – like parks and cafes – had better recovery compared to more traditional infrastructure. READ: tinyurl.com/5vdskjwy #climateweeknyc
Newly revamped Phoenix Park in Lexington forms the middle of trio of showcase parks, says Councilmember Hannah LeGris – showing importance of shared amenities.
"It's more than just a public space," she said. "It's an investment in a stronger, safer and more connected downtown."
tinyurl.com/ykvd4k5r
"It's more than just a public space," she said. "It's an investment in a stronger, safer and more connected downtown."
tinyurl.com/ykvd4k5r
Phoenix Park has ‘risen with new life’ after $4.6 million overhaul
The small downtown park with a new self-cleaning bathroom is in the heart of downtown at the corner of Main and Limestone streets.
www.kentucky.com
September 24, 2025 at 3:27 PM
Newly revamped Phoenix Park in Lexington forms the middle of trio of showcase parks, says Councilmember Hannah LeGris – showing importance of shared amenities.
"It's more than just a public space," she said. "It's an investment in a stronger, safer and more connected downtown."
tinyurl.com/ykvd4k5r
"It's more than just a public space," she said. "It's an investment in a stronger, safer and more connected downtown."
tinyurl.com/ykvd4k5r
High-quality public spaces like parks and playgrounds are popular and supported by a wide range of Americans – and they offer great bang for your buck as well.
In Philly, officials said nearly $100 in economic value was created for every dollar spent on park maintenance.
MORE: tinyurl.com/mr2py6h4
In Philly, officials said nearly $100 in economic value was created for every dollar spent on park maintenance.
MORE: tinyurl.com/mr2py6h4
With Their Votes And Their Wallets, Americans Support Funding Public Spaces
Parks, libraries and open spaces are popular across the country — and people want to keep them healthy and funded
tinyurl.com
September 23, 2025 at 3:50 PM
High-quality public spaces like parks and playgrounds are popular and supported by a wide range of Americans – and they offer great bang for your buck as well.
In Philly, officials said nearly $100 in economic value was created for every dollar spent on park maintenance.
MORE: tinyurl.com/mr2py6h4
In Philly, officials said nearly $100 in economic value was created for every dollar spent on park maintenance.
MORE: tinyurl.com/mr2py6h4
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
Ingredients for great playgrounds? Studio Ludo's quick guide says factors like trees for shade, residential location within walkable or bikeable distance, clean restrooms and lots of different heights to climb make for a fun experience for everyone, no matter the age. tinyurl.com/23kxey3n
Making Space for Play: Play Patches
issuu.com
September 19, 2025 at 1:14 PM
Ingredients for great playgrounds? Studio Ludo's quick guide says factors like trees for shade, residential location within walkable or bikeable distance, clean restrooms and lots of different heights to climb make for a fun experience for everyone, no matter the age. tinyurl.com/23kxey3n
Akron legend & Civic Commons champion Daniel Rice is retiring in 2026 from Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition. Dan has been a civic commons believer since the earliest days and has left an indelible mark on Akron and the entire national network. 🎉 to his retirement.
www.yourohionews.com/tuscarawas-c...
www.yourohionews.com/tuscarawas-c...
Dan Rice to retire in 2026 after 32 years leading the Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition
Akron-based CEO helped build out the Towpath Trail, secure more than $40 million for Lock 3 and Summit Lake, and expand trails across Summit, Stark and Tuscarawas counties.
www.yourohionews.com
September 17, 2025 at 1:13 PM
Akron legend & Civic Commons champion Daniel Rice is retiring in 2026 from Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition. Dan has been a civic commons believer since the earliest days and has left an indelible mark on Akron and the entire national network. 🎉 to his retirement.
www.yourohionews.com/tuscarawas-c...
www.yourohionews.com/tuscarawas-c...
NEW: From city playgrounds to national parks to libraries, Americans love high-quality, well-run public spaces – and they will vote for and rally to support them.
Our new article looks at the demand for a robust public realm that's well-resourced and maintained. Read: medium.com/reimagining-...
Our new article looks at the demand for a robust public realm that's well-resourced and maintained. Read: medium.com/reimagining-...
With Their Votes And Their Wallets, Americans Support Funding Public Spaces
Parks, libraries and open spaces are popular across the country — and people want to keep them healthy and funded
medium.com
September 16, 2025 at 11:32 AM
NEW: From city playgrounds to national parks to libraries, Americans love high-quality, well-run public spaces – and they will vote for and rally to support them.
Our new article looks at the demand for a robust public realm that's well-resourced and maintained. Read: medium.com/reimagining-...
Our new article looks at the demand for a robust public realm that's well-resourced and maintained. Read: medium.com/reimagining-...
Today is International Day of Democracy and an apt time to revisit this piece about why public spaces are vital for the common good – as Shawn McCaney of William Penn Foundation said, “Cities are the true laboratories of democracy."
medium.com/reimagining-...
medium.com/reimagining-...
A Call to Action: Public space for the common good
5 insights from Philadelphia on how civic space strengthens democracy, trust and community
medium.com
September 15, 2025 at 4:59 PM
Today is International Day of Democracy and an apt time to revisit this piece about why public spaces are vital for the common good – as Shawn McCaney of William Penn Foundation said, “Cities are the true laboratories of democracy."
medium.com/reimagining-...
medium.com/reimagining-...