As communities have segmented by income, technology has advanced and priorities have shifted, support for civic assets has declined. Due to underinvestment and apathy, our civic assets are no longer providing the connective tissue that binds us together and anchors neighborhoods. The result is more than overgrown fields and lackluster libraries: research shows that Americans spend less time together in social settings, trust each other less and interact less with others whose experiences are different.

Cities across the country have the potential to harness their civic commons to improve their communities and our country by fostering great public places that are shared by everyone, a neutral ground where common purpose is nurtured. Check out this video on how Reimagining the Civic Commons aims to restore public life and public support for our shared civic assets.