Founded in 1999, Open Plans promotes civic engagement for livable streets. Our tools — information, education, and activation — empower residents to shape their communities.

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Featured
What does "Back to School" mean to you? 📚🍎
What does "Back to School" mean to you? 📚🍎

As NYC public schools start September 4th, we asked friends of the Open Plans community to share their hopes for the new school year. Teachers, parents, and coordinators are excited about creating safer environments during arrival and dismissal, building community connections through block parties and events, and expanding opportunities for students to learn and celebrate together. We're looking forward to helping even more schools apply for school streets this year.

Announcing NYC's FIRST curbside dining restaurant week
Announcing NYC's FIRST curbside dining restaurant week

Open Plans and Untapped New York are launching NYC's first-ever Curbside Dining Restaurant Week from September 5-12! Restaurants and cafes across the city will offer exclusive discounts and special treats to celebrate the businesses that have poured their hearts into activating our curbs. This is your chance to show your love for local outdoor dining spaces and make it clear to decision makers that New York City wants more curbside dining.

Part 2: Meet Open Plans’ 2025 summer interns!
Part 2: Meet Open Plans’ 2025 summer interns!

Part 2 of our summer intern series introduces Open Plans' graduate school interns! Meet Andrew Leung, Laila Abed, and Talisha Ward - three bright students from Pratt and Columbia who are bringing fresh energy to our campaigns this summer. From urban planning to placemaking, these interns are helping transform NYC's streets while gaining hands-on experience in advocacy, public space management, and community engagement.

We've made this long-running City streets festival better every year 😎
We've made this long-running City streets festival better every year 😎

Summer Streets returns Saturday, July 26th with car-free joy from 7am-3pm in Queens and Staten Island, followed by celebrations in other boroughs! Open Plans has helped improve this beloved program year after year - from expanding to all five boroughs to extending hours based on your feedback. Join our young professionals summer party July 25th, suggest a Low Traffic Neighborhood for NYC, watch how London transformed Church Street into a people-first paradise and more in this edition of the newsletter.

Featured
Curbside Restaurant Week
Curbside Restaurant Week

Experience exclusive deals and special treats at NYC’s first-ever curbside dining celebration. Support your favorite local restaurants and show the city you love outdoor dining!

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Bring Low Traffic Neighborhoods to New York City
Bring Low Traffic Neighborhoods to New York City

Our residential streets should prioritize residents.

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Let’s make Summer Streets better every year
Let’s make Summer Streets better every year

Advocate for extended hours and even more weekends of Summer Streets fun.

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