A new study of three New York communities shows that parks, libraries and sidewalks can spur familiarity, belonging and friendship — and…

4 ways the city’s Civic Commons ethos is influencing people working on the next generation of public space

Artist Amanda Phingbodhipakkiya, scholar Ashley Gallegos and author Michael Norton on the science and practice of ritual in public life.

Is your community concerned about public safety? Consider investing in the public realm.

How 5 American cities are supercharging environmental stewardship in their civic spaces

How parks, libraries and trails quietly lower your household costs

Supporting our public spaces makes a better quality of life possible — and can be a successful platform for political candidates.

How parks, libraries and trails quietly lower your household costs

After a decade of transforming public spaces, we are building trust and connection between Americans.

From schools to dance clubs, how intentional public spaces can help our social connection and wellbeing blossom offline

How intentional public spaces create meaning, connection and joy

At a time when the federal government is backing away from meaningful climate action, it’s critical that local communities prioritize and invest in environmental sustainability. Local leadership on cl...

Research shows that a diversity of casual interactions can boost our happiness. Public spaces can help them happen.

Sponsored webinar: Join Reimagining the Civic Commons to learn how public spaces can advance community resilience — and how you can bring these powerful strategies into your practice.

Dr. Anand Pandian on fear, fortresses and our strongest tools for rebuilding trust

New research finds that connecting with strangers not only boosts your mood—it helps build a kinder, more cooperative society.

How Civic Commons teams are leaning into social infrastructure to weather tumultuous times

The temptation is to sit at home and hibernate, but beating the winter blues can be done. Here’s how to embrace the coldest and arguably most beautiful season

When nurturing and care happen in public spaces, people benefit and communities become stronger

How one city is meeting the moment during a challenging national climate

For over half a century, millions of children have learned their ABCs and 123s from Sesame Street. But the beloved show has been teaching something else entirely… a quiet lesson in what makes a great ...

How Memphis’ Innovator-in-Residence program is evolving public libraries into creative hubs

Visitors to a recently pedestrianised public space in London can perch on seating installations created for the site by LDA Design and Millimetre.

Could the key to bridging societal divides be found inside your local karaoke bar?

A re-elected Frey should commit to a just built environment.

Public spaces benefit communities on many levels — including the people who run the shops, stores, local services and eateries that depend…

Clinical relevance People with enduring, well-rounded social ties show molecular signs of slower aging, according to new research.

Visionary placemaking leader Carol Coletta, recognized for her transformative impact on urban environments, to receive the ULI Prize for Visionaries in Urban Development.

On this special holiday, strangers open their doors, kids roam the streets after dark and neighbors actually talk. Why only once a year?

A conversation on segregation and diversity with social justice artist Tonika Lewis Johnson

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.

Akron, Ohio, reopened a major downtown park after a $17 million renovation last year, part of a strategy to promote downtown growth by…

A new pilot program allows users to rent kayaks from a remote kiosk at Salway Park in Northside.

How public spaces can be powerful climate infrastructure

Environmental sustainability is a core outcome of Reimagining the Civic Commons. Public spaces — our parks, libraries, trails,...

The small downtown park with a new self-cleaning bathroom is in the heart of downtown at the corner of Main and Limestone streets.