Reasoning & Evidence
Streets are multifunctional public spaces that, when designed and utilized thoughtfully, can transform into vibrant hubs for community and connection through a variety of strategies. For example, streets can be a temporary home for street events such as festivals, parades, cultural performances, and markets. Additionally, Play Streets convert designated areas into traffic-free zones for safe children’s play, while Block Parties, often organized by communities, use street spaces for social events with music, games, and meals – extending streets as a communal living room. Many of these initiatives overlap with the concept of open streets.
Open streets, also known as Ciclovía, is a concept that temporarily closes streets to motor vehicle traffic and opens them up for recreational activities (e.g., walking, cycling) and community-based programming (e.g, markets, festivals).(91) Evidence points to their success in helping residents to feel more connected to their neighbors by fostering social cohesion, increasing opportunities for social interaction, and improving trust and neighborhood safety.(92–94) Giving streets an “inside-outside” quality where indoor activities spill onto the street (e.g., art displays, cafe seating) and implementing features such as street markets, outdoor retail, and pedestrian-friendly activities enhances public engagement, ensures accessibility, and creates a lively environment that fosters social interaction and community connection.(95) Beyond streets are sidewalks, parking lots, and alleyways – all opportunities to facilitate connection. Gil Peñalosa refers to sidewalks as family members of parks – a space that can host a variety of activities from socializing, exercising, and play, to dancing relaxation, and civic activity.(96) Libraries and restaurants are examples of organizations that frequently use sidewalks and alleyways or parking spots for dining, interactive displays, and community events. 880 Cities published the Open Streets Trends and Opportunities Policy Brief that provides key data and strategies for making the case for Open Streets that can be shared with officials or used to enhance stakeholder understanding of global Open Streets initiatives.
Another example of how streets can be activated as places for connection is through the creation of complete streets. Complete Streets is a method for creating streets that are safe and accessible for everyone by focusing on serving groups historically overlooked or underserved by traditional transportation planning, including older adults, individuals with disabilities, those without cars, and communities of color.(97) They transform auto-centric spaces into shared spaces for multiple modes of transportation and mobility. Increasing walkability can lead to more social interaction and in turn support strengthened trust in the community, community participation, and civic engagement.(98) Research has cited the many benefits of complete streets, especially for vulnerable populations, including improved safety, increased social interactions, and strengthened social cohesion.(99–100) The Best Complete Streets Policies Report, published by Smart Growth America, highlights the strongest complete street policies across the U.S. each year. Stories of success highlight case studies from urban to rural communities and a complete streets policy evaluation tool is available to help community leaders evaluate their own.
Examples of Community Implementation
El Paso, Texas: Through collaborative partnerships with key stakeholders across multiple sectors, El Paso sought to support walkability, livability, and sustainability by becoming the least car-dependent city in the Southwest. The coalition focused on developing a policy that would support proactive land-use planning and focus on underinvested communities. With a top-scoring complete streets policy being unanimously adopted in 2023, the city is now focusing on translating the policy into action through various projects co-created with the communities they seek to serve. El Paso, TX demonstrates a top-scoring complete streets policy using the Complete Streets Policy Framework from Smart Growth America.
Wetumpka, Alabama: Following decades of deterioration in response to a destructive tornado, Wetumpka came together as a community to foster a pedestrian-friendly environment and support small businesses. Through an intentional placemaking initiative, they created more engaging, pedestrian-friendly streets, a community space, expanded social gathering opportunities, a stronger sense of social cohesion and public space ownership, and increased public trust through community engagement.
Atlanta, Georgia: Atlanta Streets Alive is a monthly open street presented in partnership with the Atlanta Department of Transportation. Each month, city streets are transformed into public parks for biking, walking, skating, dancing, and playing, fostering a connection among community members.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Each year, the city of Philadelphia closes 50 streets to traffic so children can play. In partnership with local organizations and nonprofits, sports equipment, arts-based activities, and more are facilitated as these streets are transformed into playful spaces for community members of all ages. Some of these streets get designated as “Streets of Wonder” where play-based learning activities are facilitated by Free Library of Philadelphia and Fab Youth Philly. Beyond creating spaces for community connection, the program has also provided meal distribution to address gaps in summer meals for youth and families.
Reference: The SOCIAL Framework Report: The Built Environment Sector