Reimagining the Civic Commons
Transform your city's parks, libraries, trails, and main streets into thriving places that strengthen communities and build lasting connections.
We're a national initiative proving that strategic investments in public spaces can achieve critical social, economic, and environmental outcomes. Our groundbreaking model guides cities from planning to impact—delivering results that matter.
What We Believe
When cities change how they design, manage, and program their public spaces, they can change much more than the spaces themselves—they can nurture critical social impacts that improve neighborhoods and lives.
This is our core belief: Parks, libraries, trails, and community centers aren't just nice amenities. They're powerful civic assets that can bring people together across all backgrounds, build trust, and create communities where everyone thrives.
We've spent nearly a decade proving this belief works—transforming cities from Philadelphia to Detroit, Memphis to Chicago. Now we're ready to help your city do the same.
The Challenge Facing Cities Today
American cities are pulling apart. Economic segregation divides neighborhoods. Social isolation turns neighbors into strangers. Trust in institutions and each other continues to decline.
At the same time, climate challenges threaten vulnerable communities. Decades of disinvestment leave public spaces neglected and underused. People desperately need places where everyone belongs—but too often, these spaces don't exist or don't serve everyone equally.
Here's the opportunity: The places we share—parks, libraries, trails, community centers—can help solve these urgent problems. But only if we fundamentally reimagine how we design, manage, program, and invest in them.
That's exactly what we do. And we have the results to prove it works.
Investing with Intention: Our Four Outcomes
We believe in the power of public spaces to deliver social, economic, and environmental benefits. These four outcomes guide our approach and serve as our North Star:
🗳️ Civic Engagement
Bring people of all backgrounds into public life as stewards and advocates, shaping their city's future.
🤝 Socioeconomic Mixing
Create places where everyone belongs and that generate opportunities for shared experiences among people of all incomes and backgrounds.
🌳 Environmental Sustainability
Connect people to nature, incorporate green infrastructure, and increase walking, biking, and transit accessibility.
💎 Value Creation
Encourage equitable development in neighborhoods so they become better places to thrive.
A Groundbreaking Approach That Works
Our innovative way of working has transformed cities across America. Here's what makes us different:
🔗 Portfolio Approach
We manage public spaces as a connected set of civic assets, not individually. Working across sectors, agencies, and organizations, we reimagine each community's entire network of shared spaces.
🎯 Outcomes Orientation
Every decision is guided by our four key outcomes. This North Star keeps projects focused on what truly matters—real impact for real people.
🤝 Commitment to Collaboration
Practitioners, policymakers, funders, advocates, and residents share knowledge and support one another to transform how cities approach public space.
From planning to impact, we guide cities through every step:
- Strategic planning driven by community input and data
- Smart design with features people want—shade, seating, walking paths, performance areas
- Active programming—yoga classes, basketball leagues, concerts, farmer's markets
- Rigorous assessment to measure impact and share lessons nationwide
Real Impact in Real Cities
Since starting in Philadelphia in 2015, we've transformed public spaces in ten major cities including Detroit, Memphis, Akron, Chicago, and Camden. The results speak for themselves:
Transformational results across America:
- 38-point increase in civic engagement in Akron's Summit Lake area—from 17% to 56% of visitors actively sharing their experiences
- Trust in government jumped to 72-85% in revitalized neighborhoods where residents see real investment in their communities
- Thousands more residents now live within a half-mile walk of quality parks and open spaces
- Local businesses thrive as public spaces become community anchors that draw visitors and foot traffic
Communities sustain momentum through programs that work:
- Midnight basketball leagues reducing violence while building connections
- Outdoor fitness classes making wellness accessible to everyone
- Community mural projects celebrating local culture and identity
- Block parties and volunteer clean-ups strengthening neighborhood bonds
- Year-round programming—from ice skating to outdoor concerts—keeping spaces vibrant
These aren't temporary improvements. We're building lasting change that transforms how communities connect, trust, and thrive together.
Backed by Leading Foundations
We're supported by a powerful coalition of national foundations and local leaders who share our vision for inclusive, resilient communities.
Founding Partners:
- The JPB Foundation
- John S. and James L. Knight Foundation
- The Kresge Foundation
- William Penn Foundation
These foundations invest alongside local governments, nonprofits, businesses, and community organizations. Every dollar from national partners is matched by local investment—doubling the impact and ensuring sustainable transformation.
The Civic Commons Learning Network connects all participating cities, creating a national community of practice. Leaders share what works, adapt proven strategies, and build tools for communities nationwide.
Ready to Transform Your City?
Public spaces have the power to rebuild community connections and create more resilient cities. Whether you're a city leader, community organizer, funder, or concerned resident—you can be part of this movement.
📧 Stay Informed
Subscribe to our newsletter for public space news and ideas from thought leaders across the country.
🏙️ Explore City Projects
See how cities are reimagining their civic commons and the measurable impact they're achieving.
📚 Access Tools and Research
Download our toolkits, reports, and research to bring these proven strategies to your community.
🤝 Connect With Us
Email info@civiccommons.us to learn about joining the learning network or applying for partnership.
Transform your city's parks, libraries, trails, and main streets into places that strengthen communities. Our groundbreaking model inspires innovation and impact at every step—from planning and design to operations and assessment.
