How can we transform streets to build connected communities? As the city reopens, there is significant opportunity for designers, planners, policymakers, and community members to develop an inspiring strategy to permanently reclaim streets for all New Yorkers. Streets Ahead will convene working groups over a year to advance ideas and proposals to envision a more vibrant, equitable streetscape. Our workshops, events, and conversations will take place from summer 2021 through spring 2022.

In collaboration with the Van Alen Institute, Neighborhoods Now connects New York City neighborhoods hard-hit by the COVID-19 pandemic with design firms in our collective network. Since May 2020, Neighborhoods Now has assisted more than 100 restaurants, small businesses, and cultural organizations in some of NYC’s hardest-hit neighborhoods across four boroughs.

New York City can transform its approach to urban design to achieve housing equity, economic justice, and environmental health. Since 2019, we gathered experts to study historical planning policies, convened national and international leaders advancing radical planning reforms, and mobilized our Fellows to reimagine the city’s planning process. The culminating agenda, 21 Visions for 2021, serves as a resource and call to action for New York City’s next leadership.