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
🎃 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
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
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
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
Shared public space and nature can unite Americans. A diverse, bipartisan group of pols wants Congress to make Ocmulgee Mounds a national park, writes 2 county officials in the @ajc.com.
“Such unity is increasingly rare and reflects the wide-reaching value of this proposal.”
tinyurl.com/ynnjnd9m
“Such unity is increasingly rare and reflects the wide-reaching value of this proposal.”
tinyurl.com/ynnjnd9m
August 11, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Shared public space and nature can unite Americans. A diverse, bipartisan group of pols wants Congress to make Ocmulgee Mounds a national park, writes 2 county officials in the @ajc.com.
“Such unity is increasingly rare and reflects the wide-reaching value of this proposal.”
tinyurl.com/ynnjnd9m
“Such unity is increasingly rare and reflects the wide-reaching value of this proposal.”
tinyurl.com/ynnjnd9m
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
"Smaller spaces...can play a role in creating the pockets of close proximity and human connection that research shows boosts mental and physical health and wards off social isolation." Read our latest Medium article "Small is Beautiful" about tiny parts of our public space: tinyurl.com/4ha3uuh7
August 5, 2025 at 4:10 PM
"Smaller spaces...can play a role in creating the pockets of close proximity and human connection that research shows boosts mental and physical health and wards off social isolation." Read our latest Medium article "Small is Beautiful" about tiny parts of our public space: tinyurl.com/4ha3uuh7
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
Macon's Ocmulgee Heritage Trail is closer to completion with a pending purchase of 10 nearby acres for the 13-mile trail.
“The trail is a labor of love for us all,” James Fritze, president/ CEO of NewTown Macon, told the Telegraph. “Trails bring communities together.”
Read: tinyurl.com/jzhe9m5p
“The trail is a labor of love for us all,” James Fritze, president/ CEO of NewTown Macon, told the Telegraph. “Trails bring communities together.”
Read: tinyurl.com/jzhe9m5p
July 21, 2025 at 12:31 PM
Macon's Ocmulgee Heritage Trail is closer to completion with a pending purchase of 10 nearby acres for the 13-mile trail.
“The trail is a labor of love for us all,” James Fritze, president/ CEO of NewTown Macon, told the Telegraph. “Trails bring communities together.”
Read: tinyurl.com/jzhe9m5p
“The trail is a labor of love for us all,” James Fritze, president/ CEO of NewTown Macon, told the Telegraph. “Trails bring communities together.”
Read: tinyurl.com/jzhe9m5p
Spotlight on Detroit! The @kresge.org features the city’s past decade of investment in its civic commons, including Ella Fitzgerald Park, along with the Detroit Parks Coalition and community groups to provide inclusive, accessible programming.
Read more: kresge.org/.../strength....
Read more: kresge.org/.../strength....
July 18, 2025 at 11:31 PM
Spotlight on Detroit! The @kresge.org features the city’s past decade of investment in its civic commons, including Ella Fitzgerald Park, along with the Detroit Parks Coalition and community groups to provide inclusive, accessible programming.
Read more: kresge.org/.../strength....
Read more: kresge.org/.../strength....
Cities must balance history, culture and investing in the future. Tulsa has a complex reality – urban renewal decimated some Black nabes & highways tear thru once-thriving places, next to high-quality parks & attempts to welcome immigrants.
Read about our Learning Journey to Tulsa: bit.ly/40hkCce
Read about our Learning Journey to Tulsa: bit.ly/40hkCce
July 15, 2025 at 12:47 PM
Cities must balance history, culture and investing in the future. Tulsa has a complex reality – urban renewal decimated some Black nabes & highways tear thru once-thriving places, next to high-quality parks & attempts to welcome immigrants.
Read about our Learning Journey to Tulsa: bit.ly/40hkCce
Read about our Learning Journey to Tulsa: bit.ly/40hkCce
How can we best support robust civic life & liberties in public space?
Our Lexington convener Richard Young of @civiclex.bsky.social joins @ppsplacemaking.bsky.social webinar 7/17 with reps from @aclu.org & @rwjf.bsky.social to discuss placemaking & civil liberties. More here: tinyurl.com/yc33u3cm
Our Lexington convener Richard Young of @civiclex.bsky.social joins @ppsplacemaking.bsky.social webinar 7/17 with reps from @aclu.org & @rwjf.bsky.social to discuss placemaking & civil liberties. More here: tinyurl.com/yc33u3cm
July 14, 2025 at 12:58 PM
How can we best support robust civic life & liberties in public space?
Our Lexington convener Richard Young of @civiclex.bsky.social joins @ppsplacemaking.bsky.social webinar 7/17 with reps from @aclu.org & @rwjf.bsky.social to discuss placemaking & civil liberties. More here: tinyurl.com/yc33u3cm
Our Lexington convener Richard Young of @civiclex.bsky.social joins @ppsplacemaking.bsky.social webinar 7/17 with reps from @aclu.org & @rwjf.bsky.social to discuss placemaking & civil liberties. More here: tinyurl.com/yc33u3cm
NEW: Between the Great Plains and the Ozarks, A Complex City Blooms.
Read our latest article about 5 insights gleaned from a public space study visit to Tulsa, OK – including lessons on acknowledging history, honoring culture and investing in the future: medium.com/reimagining-...
Read our latest article about 5 insights gleaned from a public space study visit to Tulsa, OK – including lessons on acknowledging history, honoring culture and investing in the future: medium.com/reimagining-...
July 8, 2025 at 1:01 PM
NEW: Between the Great Plains and the Ozarks, A Complex City Blooms.
Read our latest article about 5 insights gleaned from a public space study visit to Tulsa, OK – including lessons on acknowledging history, honoring culture and investing in the future: medium.com/reimagining-...
Read our latest article about 5 insights gleaned from a public space study visit to Tulsa, OK – including lessons on acknowledging history, honoring culture and investing in the future: medium.com/reimagining-...
🎉 to Akron for its designation as @civicleague.bsky.social All-America City! Ten communities got the nod bc they tackle local issues thru civic engagement, collaboration, inclusion & innovation. @civiccommonsus.bsky.social's Summit Lake work was highlighted. www.beaconjournal.com/story/news/l...
July 7, 2025 at 1:16 PM
🎉 to Akron for its designation as @civicleague.bsky.social All-America City! Ten communities got the nod bc they tackle local issues thru civic engagement, collaboration, inclusion & innovation. @civiccommonsus.bsky.social's Summit Lake work was highlighted. www.beaconjournal.com/story/news/l...
As America marks Independence Day today, the @memphisflyer.com has a cheeky reminder to celebrate outside at parks, public spaces and waterfronts - with plenty of ideas that can work in any city:
www.memphisflyer.com/go-outside-n...
www.memphisflyer.com/go-outside-n...
July 4, 2025 at 11:06 AM
As America marks Independence Day today, the @memphisflyer.com has a cheeky reminder to celebrate outside at parks, public spaces and waterfronts - with plenty of ideas that can work in any city:
www.memphisflyer.com/go-outside-n...
www.memphisflyer.com/go-outside-n...
Public spaces can delight and entertain people across different ages. Look at Spain and Italy, where “they integrate children’s play with adult socialising, such as those lovely shaded playgrounds fringed with bar and cafe tables,” writes Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett:
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
July 2, 2025 at 3:12 PM
Public spaces can delight and entertain people across different ages. Look at Spain and Italy, where “they integrate children’s play with adult socialising, such as those lovely shaded playgrounds fringed with bar and cafe tables,” writes Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett:
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
As large swaths of America sweat in this week’s heat wave, check out our latest article looking at how communities with strong social infrastructure recover faster from events like extreme weather, natural disasters and economic crises.
medium.com/reimagining-...
medium.com/reimagining-...
June 24, 2025 at 4:10 PM
As large swaths of America sweat in this week’s heat wave, check out our latest article looking at how communities with strong social infrastructure recover faster from events like extreme weather, natural disasters and economic crises.
medium.com/reimagining-...
medium.com/reimagining-...
Memphis’s Tom Lee Park won a prestigious design award from @aianational.bsky.social for its “sustainable, resilient and inclusive design.” Kudos to Studio Gang, SCAPE, Hyde Family Foundation and Memphis River Parks Partnership for the recognition!
aia.secure-platform.com/a/gallery/ro...
aia.secure-platform.com/a/gallery/ro...
June 20, 2025 at 12:39 PM
Memphis’s Tom Lee Park won a prestigious design award from @aianational.bsky.social for its “sustainable, resilient and inclusive design.” Kudos to Studio Gang, SCAPE, Hyde Family Foundation and Memphis River Parks Partnership for the recognition!
aia.secure-platform.com/a/gallery/ro...
aia.secure-platform.com/a/gallery/ro...
Akron Civic Commons’ efforts are leading to more investment in Summit Lake -- a testament to the power of public space to inspire community growth.
Read more: www.beaconjournal.com/story/news/l...
Read more: www.beaconjournal.com/story/news/l...
June 19, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Akron Civic Commons’ efforts are leading to more investment in Summit Lake -- a testament to the power of public space to inspire community growth.
Read more: www.beaconjournal.com/story/news/l...
Read more: www.beaconjournal.com/story/news/l...
In Memphis, libraries offer programs that go beyond books and recreation. Macon's Open Streets movement spurs biking events and walking clubs.
Read about 6 cities thinking creatively to bring people together in "Finding Friendship and Connection Through the Public Realm." tinyurl.com/mr33fnrw
Read about 6 cities thinking creatively to bring people together in "Finding Friendship and Connection Through the Public Realm." tinyurl.com/mr33fnrw
June 18, 2025 at 12:43 PM
In Memphis, libraries offer programs that go beyond books and recreation. Macon's Open Streets movement spurs biking events and walking clubs.
Read about 6 cities thinking creatively to bring people together in "Finding Friendship and Connection Through the Public Realm." tinyurl.com/mr33fnrw
Read about 6 cities thinking creatively to bring people together in "Finding Friendship and Connection Through the Public Realm." tinyurl.com/mr33fnrw
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
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-...
Look at how folks in our Learning Network cities are enjoying springtime in parks and public spaces! Featuring contributions from: Memphis River Parks Partnership, Innovate Memphis, Guadalupe River Parks Conservancy, Bartrams Garden, DAP, Ohio & Erie Canalway and the Akron Civic Commons.
June 13, 2025 at 5:53 PM
Look at how folks in our Learning Network cities are enjoying springtime in parks and public spaces! Featuring contributions from: Memphis River Parks Partnership, Innovate Memphis, Guadalupe River Parks Conservancy, Bartrams Garden, DAP, Ohio & Erie Canalway and the Akron Civic Commons.