From the 8 80 Blog: ECC 2020 Reconnect. What Are Our ECC Champs Up To?

Emerging City Champions (ECC) is a fellowship program funded by Knight Foundation and powered by 8 80 Cities. ECC provides young civic innovators with leadership training and $5,000 in seed funding to launch transformative projects to enhance public space, urban mobility, and civic engagement in their city.

This year’s cohort has had to overcome additional challenges, navigating a worldwide pandemic, and using their skills as artists, educators, grassroots advocates, and public servants to bring their inspirational ideas to create more equitable public spaces to life. By the time we virtually met our 20 young leaders from across the United States in the summer of 2020, we knew the world’s situation would create a lifetime bond for all of us.

We are so proud of their accomplishments so far and happy to share them with you. 

Visit emergingcitychampions.org for more.

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School Streets Improve Air Quality

The Mayor of London’s office has published new research that finds that closing the roads around schools to traffic at pick-up and drop-off times has reduced polluting nitrogen dioxide levels by up to 23 percent and is strongly supported by parents.

Since April 2020, almost 350 School Streets have been delivered across London with funding from Transport for London (TfL) and the boroughs to tackle children’s exposure to air pollution and improve their health. Roads surrounding schools are closed to motor traffic at drop-off and pick-up times, enabling children to walk or cycle to school, reducing car trips and improving air quality. School Streets also provide space for social distancing and help to reduce road danger around schools, making journeys safer and easier.
 
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Adaptive Public Space: Places for People in the Pandemic and Beyond

Building on its longtime commitment to public spaces, Knight Foundation commissioned Gehl — a global urban planning, design and strategy firm — to conduct an impact assessment of seven public spaces in its portfolio. The findings illustrate the power of public space as a platform for community development: whether by building resident trust, spurring social activity, supporting economic and workforce development, or catalyzing neighbourhood change.

This power makes public spaces a key ingredient in the recovery from COVID-19 — a crisis that has raised the stakes for overcoming deeply rooted, systemic challenges in our cities. For policymakers, funders, and practitioners, these findings are a call to action. By elevating public spaces, leaders nationwide can drive more equitable outcomes in the pandemic and beyond.

Image credit: Earthscapeplay.com

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National Nature Prescription Program Launches in Canada

Nature prescriptions were named one of the top eight global wellness trends in 2019. Considering its benefits, it's no surprise! Research shows that kids and adults who spend more time in nature are happier and healthier. The BC Parks Foundation, in a joint effort with organizations in the US, UK and other countries worldwide, launched PaRx, Canada's first national nature prescription program, in November 2020 starting in British Columbia. Ontario followed in February 2021.  Its goals are to make prescribing time in nature simple, fun and effective, and create a groundswell of support for increasing and preserving green spaces to improve human health.
 
For more information on nature prescriptions in Canada and to register to become a  prescriber if you are a licensed Canadian health-care professional, visit their website. 

Featured Organization: Civically Inc.

Civically, Inc. is an umbrella nonprofit organization based in the U.S. focused on community development by promoting civic and social literacy to instill self-reliance while addressing the immediate needs of the economically under-connected residents within the greater East End region in Pennsylvania.  They provide holistic and responsive services to their community, including innovative programs like Freestore Wilkinsburg, Community Conversations, and Fresh Market Wilkinsburg, building a healthy community through health equity. Visit their website to learn more.

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