Reimagining the Civic Commons: A Transformative Model for Urban Renewal
Reimagining the Civic Commons is a pioneering initiative led by local civic leaders and national foundations to create vibrant, inclusive public spaces that strengthen communities. This effort comes at a critical time, addressing rising loneliness, distrust, climate challenges, and economic segregation. The initiative, piloted in Philadelphia in 2015, represents a fundamental shift in how urban public spaces are designed, programmed, and managed. By strategically investing in parks, trails, community centers, libraries, and public gardens, cities are transforming underutilized spaces into dynamic hubs that foster social, economic, and environmental benefits.
A National Approach with Local Impact
Over a seven-year period, the initiative was implemented in ten major cities, including Detroit, Michigan, and Akron, Ohio—areas historically affected by economic hardship and disinvestment. The initiative follows a structured model to revitalize public spaces, enhancing community engagement and resilience.
To measure the impact, cities were evaluated based on four key goals:
- Civic Engagement
- Socioeconomic Mixing
- Environmental Sustainability
- Value Creation
The study, spanning 2017 to 2023, used a combination of qualitative and quantitative data collection methods:
- Site Visitor Intercept Surveys: Gathered feedback from people using the spaces.
- Neighborhood Surveys: Captured broader community perspectives.
- Observation Mapping: Tracked how people interacted with revitalized spaces.
- Physical Surveys: Assessed improvements in infrastructure and surrounding areas.
- Neighborhood Focus Groups: Provided in-depth insights from residents.
- Third-Party Data Analysis: Incorporated external sources, such as the U.S. Census, for validation.
Key Findings: Transformational Impact Across Cities
The study revealed measurable improvements:
- 47% of visitors reported picking up litter to maintain their local spaces.
- 20% of visitors volunteered their time to support community activities.
- Income diversity among visitors increased significantly, with a diversity index of 77—indicating a broader mix of income levels interacting in these spaces.
- College attainment rates rose, and unemployment rates declined, signaling positive economic shifts.
City Spotlights: Detroit and Akron
Detroit, Michigan
- Perceptions of neighborhood safety improved significantly. In the Fitzgerald neighborhood, 93% of residents now feel safe during the day—an increase of 13 percentage points since 2017.
- Community optimism surged, with 94% of residents believing their neighborhood has improved—a 60-point increase since 2017.
- Economic revitalization occurred without displacement. Home values in Fitzgerald increased by 243% (approximately $61,000) from June 2015 to June 2022, outpacing the 192% increase in Detroit overall (Zillow data).
Akron, Ohio
- Civic engagement skyrocketed, with a 38-point increase in visitors sharing their experiences at Summit Lake, rising from 17% in 2017 to 56% in 2022.
- Trust in local government grew, with 72% of Downtown residents, 85% of Ohio & Erie Canal Park residents, and 60% of Summit Lake residents expressing confidence in city leadership.
- Walkability and local economic growth improved, as more residents now live within a half-mile walk of parks or open spaces, increasing foot traffic and supporting local businesses.
Fostering Stronger Communities
Community-driven programs have been instrumental in sustaining engagement, including:
- Midnight basketball leagues to reduce violence.
- Outdoor yoga classes promoting well-being.
- Community mural projects celebrating local culture.
- Block parties and volunteer clean-ups fostering neighborhood bonds.
- Revitalized public spaces featuring landscaped gardens, shaded seating, world-class performance pavilions, and ice-skating rinks—all shaped by resident input.
Strengthening Trust in Local Government
A key finding is the increase in trust in local government. Nearly half of respondents in both Detroit and Akron reported greater confidence in local leaders’ ability to act in the community’s best interest.
A National Collaboration for Lasting Change
The initiative is supported by The JPB Foundation, Knight Foundation, The Kresge Foundation, and William Penn Foundation, in partnership with local organizations. Its mission is to redefine urban public spaces, turning overlooked areas into thriving community assets that promote social trust, bridge socioeconomic divides, and enhance civic life. For more information, visit: https://civiccommons.us/cities/
