Creating a new space for ideas on the public realm and the role of placemaking in civic life

COVID-19 has forced community leaders, planners, and placemakers to reconsider the value of shared spaces to every aspect of public life. Our new Public Realm Learning Journeys are bringing together leaders from three cities to learn what it takes to create and maintain public spaces that are attractive, safe, accessible to everyone, and meaningfully contributing … Continued

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Looking back on Minnesota and Washington State DOTs’ inaugural artists-in-residence

Last week, we brought together the artists and agency staff involved in the nation’s first ever artists-in-residence at state departments of transportation to reflect on the inaugural year of the program. Speakers shared their reflections on the residencies, how they coped with the current pandemic, lessons learned, and plans for the future of these novel programs.

Creative Placemaking Uncategorized

Helping communities face the difficult challenge of nuclear plant closure

Smart Growth America’s new Nuclear Closure Communities Technical Assistance program is supporting communities that are making the difficult transition when a nuclear plant closes. Our new Nuclear Closure Communities Technical Assistance program is designed to help the dozens of American communities facing the closure of a nuclear plant to better prepare and plan for a … Continued

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Arts & Transportation Rapid Response 2.0 – Frequently Asked Questions

Smart Growth America is now accepting applications for the second round of the Arts & Transportation Rapid Response, an initiative for transit agencies looking to creatively and quickly address pandemic-related transportation challenges. Interested agencies may apply using the form here.

Creative Placemaking Uncategorized

Apply today for the second round of the Arts & Transportation Rapid Response

With support from the Kresge Foundation, and in partnership with Forecast Public Art, Smart Growth America (SGA) is now accepting applications for the second round of the Arts & Transportation Rapid Response, an initiative for transit agencies looking to creatively and quickly address pandemic-related transportation challenges.

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Creating a toolkit for in-person and virtual community engagement in rural Minnesota

West Central Initiative (WCI), a rural regional planning agency in west central Minnesota, worked with artist Naomi RaMona Schliesman to come up with creative, safe ways to engage the community during COVID-19 and better inform their Safe Routes to School planning.

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