(ok, I obviously need to work on less cheesy headlines, but for the moment...)
One of my colleagues at The Open Planning Project, Sebastian Benthall, has started blogging over at Digifesto. Seb is one sharp cookie, so keep an eye on this blog for lots of great web gems -- the blog will be focusing on "how the internet and open source software can be used by civil society to save the world." I have a feeling it's going to be big (no pressure, Seb).
On Wednesday, I had the pleasure of accompanying TOPP's latest hire, Kim Wiley-Schwartz, on a pilot session for her new Livable Streets curriculum. She's developing an education program around Livable Streets that's debuting in several NYC public schools this spring. This week's session took two groups of students from PS 87 (1st, 4th, and 5th graders) out into the neighborhood to do streetscape observations ("do you see a bike lane?," "do cars slow down at the speed bump?") as well as radar gunning on Columbus Avenue to gauge traffic speed. Obviously, radar gunning was the more popular activity, with all the kids clamoring for a turn with Transportation Alternatives' Nathan John (above). This is a really exciting new program, and it was great to see how tuned-in little New Yorkers already are to the urban environment around them. Go get 'em Kim!
Here at The Open Planning Project, we are currently looking to add to our talented design team. If you're a web designer with visual design talent, rock-solid production skills, and a strong intuition for user experience, we want to hear from you. Download the full job description. Life is good at TOPP -- we work on really cool projects and have an amazing team, plus nice perks like five weeks paid vacation and lunch every day. We're a "dot-org": a new kind of non-profit that feels like a dot-com startup. If you're interested in working with us, let us know.
