Introducing City Thread
We’ve seen it happen and we know: cities can move faster…
Why did a grantmaker, a community engagement pro, and a recovering city planner break out on their own to change the way cities implement public projects? Why do we think that cities can move faster, partner better, engage honestly, and deliver more? Why do we see that sticking with the status quo ultimately serves no one?
City Thread was born from the understanding that cities can move quickly and authentically to address the challenges that face us. With a combined 50+ years of experience working with cities, philanthropy, advocacy, and local groups, City Thread centers community, equity, and partnerships in everything we do.
We came together because we had the same question: why does it take so long to make changes to city streets and spaces?
We’re tired of waiting. You should be, too.
What we do
We work with partners to build trust, increase capacity, and achieve broad support for projects that benefit people in the places they live, work, and play. We use replicable models that accelerate delivery of equitable services and amenities to residents.
We identify the right mix of partners, resources, strategy, and accountability to help cities think broadly about their projects and outcomes. Healthy, authentic partnerships motivate communities to establish and achieve bold goals.
We amplify and focus local community knowledge to achieve equitable outcomes. We partner with residents and neighborhood groups – the real experts in their community’s interests, needs, and priorities.
City Thread collaborates with diverse teams of elected officials, city staff, community leaders, funders, and residents to identify problems, develop a shared vision to accelerate mobility and place-based projects, and create solutions together.
Our Accelerated Mobility Playbook – a set of strategies focused on rapid implementation of mobility infrastructure projects – is the result of years of work in this area.
Sounds great, but does it work?
The work that City Thread partners led in five cities provides proof of concept. We set out to answer this question: Could these cities build 35-100 miles of high quality bike lanes, while meaningfully and authentically engaging community members and responding to their feedback, in just two years?
The answer is yes.
Collectively, Austin, Denver, New Orleans, Pittsburgh, and Providence constructed 335 miles of new, safe, and connected bikeways – moving projects from concept to completion in only 24 months. They are now on pace to fully build their planned networks 25 years earlier than expected.
And now, the innovators behind this program have launched City Thread to bring this playbook to communities that feel stuck, and where progress is taking too long. City Thread’s community-based approach to mobility programs is rooted in the development of diverse coalitions that partner with local governments to achieve shared goals of accelerated project delivery and building momentum for future success.
The Big Why
We have seen a city’s ability to move quickly and decisively to change the way its streets are organized in a way that creates more mobility options for more people – bypassing the 10 year construction timeline that has become the norm in too many places. We know cities can find the money if they have the political will. We understand what it takes to get everybody working together.
City Thread formed as a non-profit organization because these opportunities should not be available only to cities that have the resources to hire expensive consultants. We believe that local funders are essential stakeholders and national philanthropy has a role to play in addressing transportation’s part in climate change at the city level. Our non-profit status allows us to manage grant and donor funds so that every penny goes back into the community for which it’s designated.
Who we are
Zoe Kircos Zoe brings 20 years of philanthropy, fund development, communications, and grant management expertise to all her work, and believes that building thoughtful collaborations and centering the needs and vision of project partners is essential to success.
Book, article or podcast that Zoe is currently recommending: Exhalation by Ted Chiang
Zoe wishes she knew how to… play piano by ear.
Movie she watches every year is… Pride and Prejudice, the BBC five hour epic
Sara Studdard Sara is a communications and community engagement professional with 15 years experience leading capacity building and storytelling initiatives grounded in equitable and inclusive practices that value people and their communities.
Book, article or podcast that Sara is currently recommending: Kiese Layman, “Why I Paid Tenfold To Buy Back The Rights For My Two Books”, Lit Hub, November 10, 2020
Sara wishes she knew how to…become a competitive level synchronized swimmer
Movie she watches every year is…What About Bob
Kyle Wagenschutz Kyle is an urban mobility planner and community organizing professional with 15 years experience implementing place-based programs that prioritize strong community partnerships and accelerated project delivery.
Book, article or podcast that Kyle is currently recommending: Soul Full of Coal Dust by Chris Hamby
Kyle wishes he knew how to… speak another language fluently
Movie he watches every year is… Star Wars (all of them)
Cities can be bold and move fast. Let’s build communities together.
Is your city ready to get unstuck? Our work is built on partnerships. Let’s get to know each other, your community, and your goals. Get in touch with us today.
