Chicago Department of Planning and Development’s Post

In December 2023, I was invited by Courtney Christensen from Kansas City Public Library to give a keynote to open their 150th anniversary celebrations. In January I learned that ART IN THE LOOP FOUNDATION, the public art program for #KansasCity run by Downtown Council of Kansas City, had been so inspired by the talk that they had chosen #convivencia as the theme for their public art summer with KC STREETCAR AUTHORITY. This is the impact that I hoped to see from my research. In my latest newsletter, Ann Holliday and Edwing Mendez talk about how the capability of #coexistence transformed into more than 20 performances and installations. I find this story of Kansas City so inspiring. The big takeaways from it are: 1. There is no greater tool for communicating values than #publicart. 2. Public authorities have power and should use their power on how public spaces are used as a platform for the arts. 3. The biggest investments in the arts are not done by growing the cultural budget but incorporating the arts into public infrastructure. 4. Even when working on serious subjects, like downturn revitalization, do not forget play and wonder. Read the entire article here: https://lnkd.in/e6P3Y-wc

Read more about the new field coming to Lodestar! https://lnkd.in/gvV_3y9R and the players that are looking forward to playing on a home field, https://lnkd.in/gFPk4cCT

In New York City, four iron monkeys, once part of the decor at Riverside Park's Ten Mile River Playground, have been removed to a storage yard on Randall’s Island, a stone's throw from where Robert Moses, the influential yet contentious parks commissioner, once wielded his power. This action followed the resurgence of interest in a segment of Robert Caro’s 1974 biography "The Power Broker," which scrutinizes Moses' urban planning decisions, suggesting the monkeys were a racist affront to the predominantly Black neighborhood. The book accuses Moses of implementing urban planning strategies that discreetly marginalized African American and Puerto Rican communities, including the allegation that he designed low overpasses on the Southern State Parkway to restrict these communities' access via bus to suburban amenities and beaches like Jones Beach. The controversy surrounding the iron monkeys and Moses' broader legacy highlights a complex debate about urban planning's role in shaping racial and social landscapes. However, the article challenges the straightforward interpretation of the monkeys as a symbol of racism. It points out that similar decorations are found in a playground in a predominantly White neighborhood, suggesting a different intent behind their placement. Furthermore, the supposed shackles on the monkeys are speculated to represent the rings children play with in playgrounds, not chains. This interpretation is bolstered by the historical demographic composition of West Harlem during the 1930s, which contradicts the assertion that the playground was situated in a predominantly Black area. The discourse around Moses, including the design of parkway overpasses to potentially limit minority access to certain public spaces, illustrates the intricate ways in which infrastructure can embody and perpetuate social divisions. Yet, this account is met with nuanced perspectives that challenge the simplicity of labeling Moses' actions as solely motivated by racial prejudice. His contributions to New York's public spaces and infrastructure are undeniable, though his legacy remains marred by allegations of racial discrimination. The fate of the monkeys, amidst this reevaluation of Moses' impact on New York City, emphasizes the ongoing dialogue about historical memory, urban planning, and social justice. Their removal from Riverside Park reflects not just a moment of controversy but a broader reconsideration of the symbols we maintain in our public spaces and the histories they represent. #RobertMoses #UrbanPlanning #SocialJustice #NYCHistory #PublicSpaces #ThePowerBroker #Infrastructure #RacialEquity #LegacyReevaluation

Happy St. Patrick's Day, everyone! 🍀 Today is not just about wearing green or hunting for four-leaf clovers. It's a day steeped in history, celebrating St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, known for bringing Christianity to the island and reportedly using the shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity. But how can we channel the spirit of St. Patrick's Day into property and community management? Easy! Here are a few tips: 🌿 Go Green: Not just with your outfit! Implement eco-friendly practices in your community. Think recycling programs, energy-efficient lighting, and encouraging bike-to-work days. 🎉 Community Engagement: Organize events that bring people together, much like the communal celebrations of St. Patrick's Day. A community potluck or a green-themed party can do wonders for neighborly bonds. 🌍 Inclusivity Matters: St. Patrick's Day is celebrated worldwide, em we bracing people of all backgrounds. Ensure your community feels welcome and valued, regardless of their origin. 📚 Educate and Share: Use your community bulletin or social media to share fun facts about St. Patrick's Day, spreading knowledge and joy. Let's take inspiration from this day to not only wear green but also to think green and act in ways that foster a strong, inclusive, and joyful community. May the luck of the Irish be with you today and always! 🍀🏡🌟 #RESCONGreen #StPatricksDay #CommunityManagement #GoGreen #Inclusivity #Sustainability #PropertyManagement #CelebrateCommunity

Things happen because people work together to make them happen. They Dream BIG together and go beyond imagining to committing their energy, time and resources towards a shared goal. Intentional improvements create sustainable change that will realize a vision! So proud that this initiative is becoming reality right before our eyes. Still loads of work to do, AND it’s important to pause and celebrate the victories we have accomplished in just a little over a year. Nothing would be possible without strong, committed partners and we are grateful to have some mighty ones and are hopeful to expand the team of people, businesses, schools, organizations and municipalities investing in change led by those closet to the challenges who also have the solutions. SSMIDs are powerful tools for economic development that empower the commercial property owners, businesses, residents and other key stakeholders to inform and lead change.

Did you know that #Ohio is home to some uniquely named cities? From Knockemstiff to Center of the World, here are some of the most unusual city names in the Buckeye State! Which one is your favorite? 🗺️ Explore the fascinating list of Ohio's quirky city names in this article: https://lnkd.in/gJsiqMsp

Reading is fundamental to all other learning

Together Outdoors Expands Inclusive Micro-Grant Program to Foster Diversity in Outdoor Recreation, Calls for Applications Washington, D.C. – February 21 – Together Outdoors (TO) announced the opening of the application period of its Inclusive Micro-Grant Program, a new initiative aimed at bolstering capacity for small and rural #grassroots organizations that are key to creating a more #inclusive and welcoming outdoor recreation environment. This unique program, in addition to TO’s overall efforts, is made possible thanks to foundational support from THOR Industries, Inc. The 2024 Inclusive Micro-Grant Program is poised to continue the great support started in 2022 and will focus on two key areas: 1. Research Resources: Financial backing for projects developing research and resources that facilitate inclusion outdoors. This includes the creation of educational toolkits, multimedia content, and translation services to ensure accessibility for all. 2. Activating Change Outdoors: Support for outdoor recreation programming, events, and leadership development initiatives specifically designed to empower communities of color, LGBTQIA , individuals in underserved regions, people with disabilities, and other intersecting minority groups. Together Outdoors invites grassroots organizations that embody these focus areas and share our vision for a diverse outdoor community to apply for the Inclusive Micro-Grant Program. Organizations are encouraged to apply to the inaugural grant round by March 11, 2024. Application materials should be submitted via email to Ambreen Tariq, Together Outdoors Coalition Lead at [email protected]. To view the application process, timeline and grant reporting requirements visit https://lnkd.in/eY3SS8qa #outdoorrecreationroundtable #microgrant #DiversityInTheOutdoors #togetheroutdoors #submissionsopen