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We have helped 21 community boards pass daylighting resolutions, demonstrating to DOT that New Yorkers want safer intersections and they're willing to trade some street parking to get them. These grassroots efforts are extremely powerful, but our best chance at widespread change is a new bill, now in the City Council, that would mandate New York City daylight all intersections and put items - like planters, seating, or bike racks - in the spots.

That "hardening" - putting something in the daylit spot - is a crucial piece of the puzzle. According to recent research from DOT, daylighting that just uses paint or signs doesn't go far enough; drivers may continue to park or drive through the daylighting spot, erasing all safety benefits. Plus our streets need more seating, greenery, and bike infrastructure! Daylighting is a 2-in-1 solution.

Tell your local decision maker that you want them to sign on to this daylighting bill and support safe, protected, livable intersections in every neighborhood! It takes just a couple minutes to submit a letter use the button below. 

This Valentine’s Day, show your love for someone special — and for a more vibrant, people-first NYC. Make a donation of $25 or more to Open Plans, and we’ll send your valentine a heart-filled sticker sheet celebrating public spaces, connection, and joy, along with a custom message from you. It’s a sweet way to spread love while supporting better streets for all!

Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) has the potential to transform our cities bringing reliable and efficient public transportation to more places. The newly freed space congestion pricing has given us should be reclaimed and used to serve us all.

Shape the future of NYC streets with a summer internship that matters. Connect your interests and skills with our current campaigns all with the goal of transforming how people experience NYC streets. Applications open Feb. 5th and close Mar. 10th.

We are co-hosting two social hours with El Puente (Brooklyn) & Transportation Alternatives (Queens). Join us to learn more about community boards, the application process, and to mingle with prospective applicants!

✍️ Community Board Applications are open in all five boroughs! This is your chance to get involved with how your neighborhoods looks, feels, and functions. Email cb@openplans.org for application support. Apply before the dates below, at the link for your borough:

• Bronx: March 9
• Brooklyn: February 14
• Manhattan: February 28
• Queens: February 14
• Staten Island: Accepted year-round

🍽️ NYC needs better outdoor dining rules! Support our campaign to improve the seasonal program and help local businesses keep their vital curbside spaces year-round.

🐍 Welcome Year of the Snake at Gotham Park's Lunar New Year Fair, February 7-9! Shop and dine with 17 vendors, including Chinatown legacy businesses. FREE entry at Rose St and Avenue of the Finest: Fri-Sat 11AM-7PM, Sun 11AM-5PM.

💃 Emergency arts funding needed! Because of President Trump's federal funding freeze, Time Lapse Dance lost $30K grant just days before their Egypt tour. Support their ongoing tour bringing climate awareness through dance. $15K raised, help close the gap.

✨ Get funding for the creation of pop-up community spaces! Join Project for Public Space's info session on Friday, February 7th, 12PM ET to learn about $60K grants for Northeast organizations. Applications are open until February 21st.

Open Plans |  377 Broadway, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10013-3907

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