Host Jeremy C. Park talks with George Abbott, Co-convener of Reimagining the Civic Commons, who highlights the collaboration of national foundations and civic leaders dedicated to revitalizing public spaces in ways that benefit communities and how the initiative has impacted Memphis locally. Reimagining the Civic Commons is an ambitious national initiative demonstrating that strategic investments in public spaces can connect people of all backgrounds. It is a collaboration of The JPB Foundation, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, The Kresge Foundation, William Penn Foundation, and local partners.

During the interview, George shares how the initiative was launched in 2016 and how Memphis applied and was selected to participate, working with a network of leaders across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors to change how they design, manage, and program urban spaces. He shares some of the ways local projects and efforts have benefited from sharing ideas and best practices with other cities, and how data is being used to drive decision making and activations for the future. Local collaborators include Innovate Memphis, Memphis Parks, Public Libraries, and place-based organizations, including Bloom, The Heights CDC, Memphis River Parks Partnership, and Overton Park Conservancy. George wraps up talking about what makes him excited for 2025 and his encouragement for everyone to enjoy some of the many exciting things taking place this year in the public spaces across the Mid-South.

Visit https://civiccommons.us/ to learn more about Reimagining the Civic Commons.