School Streets in 2024: a year-end letter from Street Lab’s co-founders asking for your support

Dear friends and followers,

We’re writing to ask for your support as we commit ourselves to activating the streets of New York City in 2024, using pop-up to bring people together and offer positive, new ideas for NYC neighborhoods.

In 2023 we completed 431 pop-ups in partnership with 97 community groups—78% in low-income neighborhoods—while also laying the groundwork for new work that will go even farther. And here’s where we need your help: in 2024, we’re rolling out a major expansion of our effort to create car-free streets next to New York City public schools as part of our New Public Spaces initiative. These “School Streets” offer dynamic new space for recess, after-school activities, safe drop-off and pick-up, and learning outside school walls. We see a unique opportunity to transform the urban landscape of New York in ways that bring out the best in kids and neighborhoods alike.

We’re aiming to double the number of School Streets that we pilot in 2024, and work is already underway. We hope you’ll join us with a year-end contribution and consider increasing your support to help us meet these ambitious goals. As always, we’re grateful for your support in any amount—thank you!

See you out there,

Leslie and Sam
Co-founders, Street Lab

In 2023 we had record year with 431 pop ups. Here’s a link to a year-end summary with photos. Next year, we’ll do it all again, plus School Streets…

Learn more about our plans to expand School Streets in 2024 and consider a donation to help expand this effort across NYC.

Thank you for your support!

PS: Some of you may recognize themes of our earlier work in this School Streets effort (the Uni Project!). Stay tuned for a new outdoor classroom design in 2024 that will make learning a source of pride for the whole neighborhood.