Since 2016, Reimagining the Civic Commons has been transforming civic assets from places of untapped potential to places that bridge differences, create increased and more equitably shared prosperity, and contribute solutions to some of the most pressing challenges of our nation. The initiative, a collaboration of national foundations including Kresge and civic leaders, has supported cities to transform public spaces like parks, trails, libraries and community centers — and to change what is expected of them.

Their new report, The Power of the Commons: Impact and Opportunity in America’s Public Spaces, showcases six years of innovation, collaboration and impact in the initial five cities: Chicago, Detroit, Memphis, Philadelphia and Akron, Ohio.