Research Repository
Our repository is where we store all the research we've come across globally which have been organized into 21 city-building categories.
Our ability to solve complex urban problems comes from our ability to understand a range of diverse perspectives. Using our research database, we curate a selection of perspectives about the issues facing cities. Join our online event as we have conversations about the issues facing cities to spark discussion and understanding while building connection.
Our community of engaged city-builders include many inspiring and creative innovators who challenge the status quo in an effort to build better cities. This webinar aims to learn more about these outside the box thinkers reshaping urban life. Join us as we discover their journey: the obstacles they faced, their successes, what they would differently.
In addition to the opinions of your family and friends, the digital age has brought with it an explosion of opinions from a growing number of media outlets. Our News Literacy course is designed to help you become critical of the opinions you consume and better evaluate the quality of news media products. Currently in development.
Also referred to as the Implications Wheel, Disruption Mapping (DM) is a tool that is used to organize our thoughts around a trend and its implications on the future. DM will improve your ability to understand the wide-ranging impacts that disruption can have on communities while identifying potential risks and opportunities. Currently in development.
This is an approach to improving urban life that uses short term, low cost, and scalable solutions. Instead of making large investments, Tactical Urbanism promotes the use of small investments to prove out a concept. Constructed solutions could remain as presented after demonstrating its impact, ,but a case could be made for the investment needed to make the solution permanent. Currently in development.
Community Benefit Districts (CBDs) are public-private nonprofit partnerships. CBDs work to improve the overall quality of life within specific districts as well as neighborhoods. This is done by developing a partnership between the City and local communities. The municipal government creates a levy within the community to raise funds for local improvements within a defined geographical area.
Community Land Trusts (CLTs) are community-based non profit organizations that work to acquire stewardship of land and community assets. These land trusts can be used for commercial or retail development etc. This way, the land can be permanently held for the community instead of a private market. This system also works to ensure affordability for home and business owners in the community.
Anchor institutions are nonprofit institutions based usually in one specific land/area like a hospital or university. These organizations are called anchor because of how difficult it is for them to move. These agreements aim to direct investments, such as the procurement of goods and services, into the local community.
Community bonds is a tool a non-profit would use to finance their growth.The non-profit would issue a series of bonds to its community who would purchase the bonds with an expected rate of return. The non-profit would need a revenue model that would allow it to pay back the initial investment plus the interest to the owner of the bond. This tool allows an organization to raise the capital needed for growth. It can be used as part of a larger funding model.
The greatest leaps in human progress has always been the result of our ability to work together in large numbers. Through our partnerships, not only do we want to connect community organizations with our resources but we want to strengthen communities by connecting them with each other. Through our partnership program, we will make community partners feel informed, empowered and connected to the resources to create meaningful change.