Jessica Robinson

At every Vanguard conference, Next City brings together a group of the best and brightest young leaders making change in cities today. In addition to immersing ourselves in the host city and learning about the innovative strategies being deployed to solve local challenges, we planners, community developers, artists, entrepreneurs, policy experts, and transportation advocates participated in the Big Idea Challenge. Vanguard teams partnered with local organizations to identify a social or… Show more

At every Vanguard conference, Next City brings together a group of the best and brightest young leaders making change in cities today. In addition to immersing ourselves in the host city and learning about the innovative strategies being deployed to solve local challenges, we planners, community developers, artists, entrepreneurs, policy experts, and transportation advocates participated in the Big Idea Challenge. Vanguard teams partnered with local organizations to identify a social or environmental problem to solve, and then publicly presented an idea — based on a budget of $7,000 — to help that partner.

In the design challenge, our team was paired with NDG Food Depot, a nonprofit addressing food insecurity in Montréal, to come up with new ways in which the Depot could maximize current outreach strategies. Our proposal — Enraciner le Dépôt Alimentaire (Neighborhood Roots Network) — is a new program to connect with residents in Walkley-Fielding, one of the most economically insecure neighborhoods in Québec. By engaging community influencers through an incentive-based program, NDG will plug into existing networks to build awareness of their services, starting with free fresh food baskets distributed through local pop up markets. Show less

"Some 11 healthcare startups have set up shop at Cedars-Sinai as the Los Angeles medical center kicks off its first Techstars Healthcare Accelerator this week. With technology ranging from virtual reality and artificial intelligence, to new devices and management platforms, to mindfulness and end-of-life care, this first class represents a diverse gamut of companies working to transform health and healthcare delivery..."

"Inside Target’s City Center offices, the sound of hammers and drills are a frequent reminder that the retailer is in the midst of some big changes. Among them is that the company’s Minneapolis headquarters will soon become a temporary home for 10 retail start-ups as part of the company’s partnership with Techstars, a respected accelerator program..."

"'As a technology company, Cox Enterprises is committed to driving and inspiring innovation," said Cox Enterprises Executive Vice President Alex Taylor. 'Techstars is a fantastic program. The mentorships help accelerate startups, while also injecting a strong dose of innovation and entrepreneurial spirit into the community.' ... Both Cox Enterprises and Techstars share a common goal of catalyzing the entrepreneurial community in and around Atlanta, similar to startup communities across the… Show more

"'As a technology company, Cox Enterprises is committed to driving and inspiring innovation," said Cox Enterprises Executive Vice President Alex Taylor. 'Techstars is a fantastic program. The mentorships help accelerate startups, while also injecting a strong dose of innovation and entrepreneurial spirit into the community.' ... Both Cox Enterprises and Techstars share a common goal of catalyzing the entrepreneurial community in and around Atlanta, similar to startup communities across the globe."
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"Together Virgin Media, Liberty Global and Techstars will support a cohort of ten hand-picked businesses during a 13 week intensive accelerator covering product/market fit for the idea, building the idea into a product and then eventually pitching the product to a room of professional investors at the final demo day..."

"DART and car-sharing service Zipcar are creating a new connection to make public transit a more practical option for Dallas-area commuters... Solving the problem of the 'last mile' of a trip – helping travelers reach their destination when it's not adjacent to a transit stop – is a challenge being addressed by transit agencies across the country.Some are developing partnerships with companies like Zipcar..."

"'The City of Dallas is committed to embracing innovation in the transportation sector,' said Dallas City Councilmember Adam Medrano, who will welcome Zipcar locations into his city district. 'As part of our Parking Pilot Program we're seeking solutions that improve the overall experience for people driving into and around the city, and Zipcar is a great fit...'

"Zipcar's launch builds on successful programs at local universities including the University of Texas at Dallas, Southern… Show more

"'The City of Dallas is committed to embracing innovation in the transportation sector,' said Dallas City Councilmember Adam Medrano, who will welcome Zipcar locations into his city district. 'As part of our Parking Pilot Program we're seeking solutions that improve the overall experience for people driving into and around the city, and Zipcar is a great fit...'

"Zipcar's launch builds on successful programs at local universities including the University of Texas at Dallas, Southern Methodist University and Texas Christian University. Zipcar's network in Texas now includes programs in three of the state's largest cities (Austin, Houston and Dallas), as well as at universities in Fort Worth and San Antonio." Show less

"As the nation's second fastest growing city, and one of most livable, Houston is a perfect fit for Zipcar," said Kaye Ceille, president of Zipcar... Zipcar's consumer launch builds on its successful program with the city of Houston FleetShare program in which Zipcar technology is embedded in city-owned vehicles, increasing efficiency, accountability and lower overall fleet costs. Zipcar has also offered service to Rice University students on campus since 2009. In addition, the University of… Show more

"As the nation's second fastest growing city, and one of most livable, Houston is a perfect fit for Zipcar," said Kaye Ceille, president of Zipcar... Zipcar's consumer launch builds on its successful program with the city of Houston FleetShare program in which Zipcar technology is embedded in city-owned vehicles, increasing efficiency, accountability and lower overall fleet costs. Zipcar has also offered service to Rice University students on campus since 2009. In addition, the University of Houston and Texas Southern University will be adding Zipcars on and near campus to further provide alternative transportation options to students, faculty and staff. These programs are expected to launch in Fall 2014. Show less

Saying Sacramento has proven to be a solid market for their self-service rental car approach, Zipcar officials announced Tuesday they are expanding their Sacramento service – including offering a Mercedes-Benz and Mini Cooper convertible.

Two years after launching limited service here, Zipcar, Inc. officials said they are opening an office downtown and adding staff to help the company market its service in Sacramento.

Zipcar, Inc., the world's leading car sharing network, today announced the expansion of Zipcar Detroit, bringing the total number of Zipcars in the city up to 40. With the expansion, Detroit becomes Zipcar's 25th major metropolitan market. "Bringing car sharing to a city made by cars and built for cars is a huge accomplishment for Zipcar," said Zipcar President Mark Norman.

Technology is helping to change the way Milwaukeeans get around, making it easier to take advantage of public transportation and sharing options, according to a new report by the WISPIRG Foundation.

Nearly 50 Zipcars are now parked in prime locations throughout downtown San Diego's neighborhoods such as East Village and Little Italy, including commercial properties such as the Irvine Company's NBC and Wells Fargo buildings, as well as at the San Diego International Airport.

Zipcar, Inc., the world's leading car sharing network, today announced it is expanding its airport access to eight new airports in North America, bringing convenience, freedom and a little zip to air travel. With this expansion, Zipcar is extending its award-winning member experience from city streets and college campuses to airport parking lots.

"The introduction of the Honda Fit EVs into the Zipcar fleet allows our members to drive one of the most technologically-advanced vehicles on the road while reducing environmental impact," said Mark Norman, Zipcar president and COO. "These vehicles add to the selection of smart and sustainable options Zipcar currently offers, and will help increase overall awareness of an exciting new technology in a vehicle we know our members will love."

The Zipcar program will launch with 12 vehicles located in pods of two, in six locations throughout San Jose. All of the vehicles will be located in private, off-street lots within the downtown footprint and will be easily accessible by the VTA Light Rail and public transit.

Residents of the Bay Area have a new means of moving across town, picking up furniture or hauling the band’s gear to a gig. On Tuesday, Zipcar, the car-sharing provider, announced plans to start a cargo van service in San Francisco and Oakland.

Loose leaf teas are often considered by tea connoisseurs to be the finest way to enjoy a cup, as the unfurling of the full tea leaves allows complex flavors to come to the forefront. With extra room inside each tea pyramid, Whole Leaf Organics achieves this same quality but with the added convenience of a tea bag. Choice Organic Teas' 20-year commitment to sourcing the highest quality teas, and providing delicious, innovative and consciously-produced products to its consumers, truly shines in… Show more

Loose leaf teas are often considered by tea connoisseurs to be the finest way to enjoy a cup, as the unfurling of the full tea leaves allows complex flavors to come to the forefront. With extra room inside each tea pyramid, Whole Leaf Organics achieves this same quality but with the added convenience of a tea bag. Choice Organic Teas' 20-year commitment to sourcing the highest quality teas, and providing delicious, innovative and consciously-produced products to its consumers, truly shines in this new line.

Named "Best English Breakfast" by Real Simple Magazine, 2010 Show less