NEW: When you say hi to the grocery store checker, you may be unknowingly boosting your health. Research shows the importance of casual interactions to happiness & well-being — and public spaces are a natural place for these everyday interactions. Read our latest Medium article: tinyurl.com/5n8n9kbu

TODAY: Don't miss our free webinar @ 12PM EST to learn how public spaces can advance climate & community resilience, & how to bring these powerful strategies into your practice. Hear from experts in disaster recovery, landscape architecture & urban park systems. Register here: tinyurl.com/h82f2rfm

Join me this Wednesday, Feb. 2 for a virtual panel with Reimagining the Civic Commons and Next City about public spaces and community resilience. Register here: nextcity.org/events/detai...

Want a climate-forward city? Start with your public realm. Join us [email protected] Feb. 4 for a webinar w/ Daniel Aldrich, Diane Jones Allen, Tony Sorrentino & Jazmine da Costa on strategies for investing in public space for resilient communities + strong climate infrastructure: tinyurl.com/h82f2rfm

As the feds roll back climate action, local communities must invest in sustainability through public spaces—for civic assets that support ecological systems & social connection. Don't miss our Feb. 4 webinar on how the public realm can serve as powerful climate infrastructure: tinyurl.com/mr34czkw

NEW: @anandian.bsky.social wandered across America to find out why fear and division were increasing. Read our latest article to see how he found fortification of our lives — SUVs, security cameras, even clothing — reflect a deeper cultural anxiety about strangers and belonging: tinyurl.com/24zujewh

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

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

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

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:

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

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...

@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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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...

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

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

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

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

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

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...

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-...

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-...

The Kresge Foundation HQ is returning to Detroit on Marygrove campus, w/ $180M in home ownership & stabilization, biz district renewal, public space upgrades & support for Fitzgerald, Bagley, Univ. District & Martin Park people + biz. 🎉 for philanthropy aiding convener Live6 Alliance & partners!

Disney World can cost $$$ - and you can pay more to cut lines for rides. "The market, and increasingly the culture, is dominated by the affluent," writes Dan Currell. "Technology is enabling companies to see these previously invisible class divides and act on them." www.nytimes.com/2025/08/28/o...

Lock 3 Park in Akron has drawn bands & crowds & boosted local economy as visitors spend $. "I gotta tell you, it feels so good just to see people come back down here, walk around,” singer Rachel Roberts told @news5cleveland.bsky.social. “I see big smiles on people's faces." tinyurl.com/4afemzc2

The 3rd annual Tour de Crown hosted by local @civiccommonsus.bsky.social convener Tri-State Trails last month was a big success, with 700+ riders sharing the vision of the 34-mile trail project which will eventually form a seamless network around Cincinnati. 🚴🚴 www.wlwt.com/article/cinc...

Our Learning Journey to St. Paul revealed a city filled with people who are deeply proud of their roots and building bridges between generations and communities for a stronger social fabric and a brighter future. Four insights we observed for the field: medium.com/reimagining-...

“Do something people want to do, and you can sneak engagement in on the side,” Richard Young of CivicLex told the Chronicle of Philanthropy for a recent piece highlighting their extensive and innovative public outreach efforts. Bravo to the CivicLex team! www.philanthropy.com/commons/new-...

A new study by prof. Miles Richardson finds that human connection to nature - as measured through references to the natural world in books from 1800 to 2020 - has declined by 60% in 200 years - another reason why nature-rich public realm is so important. Read: www.theguardian.com/environment/...

“The pandemic isolated us from each other and social media and cultural schisms continue to divide us — forces that have given the togetherness of the Schuylkill Banks this summer an almost utopian feel” - Peter Dobrin on connections forged on the trail's new pedestrian bridge tinyurl.com/2d9dcwpj

Alissa Walker writes that LA needs to institute capital infrastructure plans to prepare for the immediate future and beyond. In the midst of turmoil, "what Angelenos need right now, more than ever, is a commitment to the spaces that we share with each other." Read: www.torched.la/civic-promise/

The Conversation has a fascinating look by Northeastern's Dan O'Brien at how one area can be 10° F hotter than another place a few blocks away – and to consider if our public spaces are a solution for urban heat with ample trees, shade, water and other greenery. theconversation.com/inside-an-ur...

Governing profiles Akron's revitalization, where Civic Commons partners are "using public-space investments to promote social cohesion." Knight Foundation's Kyle Kutuchief said when people get to know Akron, “the more they see, the more they’re gonna fall in love with it.” Read: tinyurl.com/mr25d4zu