Starting today, more than 100 people working to improve public spaces in 12 cities across the country are gathering in Lexington, part of a national initiative called Reimagining the Civic Commons, which aims to demonstrate how public space can connect people of all backgrounds, cultivate trust, and create more resilient communities.
Lexington is one of the 12 cities chosen in 2020 to participate in the Reimagining the Civic Commons learning network. Lexington’s local civic commons team is composed of representatives of city government, philanthropy and local nonprofits. The team is working to enhance public spaces and foster community connections.
Each city in the Reimagining the Civic Commons learning network plays host to the other cities over time. This week, it’s Lexington’s turn. Attendees will visit various neighborhoods and public spaces downtown and in the East End. Tonight they will be formally welcomed by Mayor Linda Gorton. There will be a plenary session featuring nationally-renowned speakers Danielle Allen, President of Partners In Democracy, a nonprofit organization that drives democracy renovation; and Kate Orff, the founder of SCAPE, a landscape and urban design practice with offices in New York, San Francisco and New Orleans. Orff’s firm designed Town Branch Commons Trail, a cycling and walking trail that runs through downtown Lexington.
The gathering in Lexington begins today, and ends on Thursday, October 26. Media interested in participating in any of the tours should contact Brandi Peacher at bpeacher@lexingtonky.gov.
