13 Apr 8 80 Cities Contributes to Knight Cities Challenge Winners

For the past two years, the Knight Foundation has issued a call for the newest, boldest, most innovative ideas to create more successful cities through the Knight Cities Challenge. More than 4,500 ideas were submitted by innovators across the country. Only 37 projects will receive funding from a $5 million pot. 8 80 Cities is proud to announce that three of our exciting new projects were awarded funding through the Challenge. These successful ideas are:

Pop-Up Minimum Grid: Macon, GA
Lead partner: NewTown Macon
Aim: Creating a pop-up minimum grid that would allow citizens to explore their city safely on foot or on bicycles; the project would expand a trail system from the river to downtown and the surrounding neighborhoods.

Parking Lot Diaries: Lexington, KY
Lead partner: Lexington Downtown Development Authority
Aim: Creating a living civic engagement lab in an underused area next to the Transit Center that tests and tracks temporary interventions and activities designed to add vibrancy to the area; the project will contribute to the city’s Town Branch Commons plan.

The Sunset Rises Again: West Palm Beach, FLA
Lead partner: West Palm Beach Community Redevelopment Agency
Aim: Creating a new cultural destination in the Historic Northwest District of West Palm Beach on the site of the Sunset Lounge, a former prominent jazz club and surrounding land.

Emerging City Champs Among Winners

We are also thrilled that three Emerging City Champions submitted winning ideas. The Emerging City Champions is a fellowship program that provides $5,000 micro-grants and ongoing support to young civic innovators. Their successful Knight Cities Challenge applications are:

Justin Triano: San Jose, CA
Post Street Night Market will expand economic opportunity with a recurring night market that features local crafts, food and entertainment.

Chad Rochkind: Detroit, MI
The Underground Order of Tactical Urbanists will create a network of tactical urbanists who collectively select a single urban challenge each year on which to focus quick, low-cost, creative improvements.

Cornetta Lane: Detroit, MI
Pedal to Porch will explore Detroit’s untold history through monthly bike tours leading participants through different areas of the city and giving residents a chance to tell the story of their neighborhoods.

Congratulations to all Knight Cities Challenge recipients! We look forward to seeing these game-changing ideas come to life.