Community Impact – Page 60 – Knight Foundation

Program Area: Community Impact

To support the California Community Foundation to have a summit for ethnic and news outlets to better understand the information needs of immigrant communities in the region.

The Urban Land Institute will host a conference focused on strategies to encourage more people to live in the City of Akron.

To encourage downtown vibrancy by supporting a street activation project in partnership with the University of Akron and the City of Akron that will enhance pedestrian and recreational activity along the Exchange Street corridor.

Fastrack Institute to tackle Miami transportation challenges with $500,000
from Knight Foundation, Miami-Dade Expressway Authority and the Codina family

Fastrack Institute will launch Mobility Fastrack in Miami-Dade,
an open call for ideas to address transportation challenges

MIAMI―Aug. 8, 2017―Fastrack Institute, a private nonprofit foundation that helps cities accelerate technology into society, will launch a 16-week “Fastrack” program to help address Miami-Dade’s transportation challenges with $500,000 from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, Miami-Dade Expressway Authority and local real estate developer and investor Armando Codina, who is representing the Codina Family. As part of the program, the institute will develop a series of inclusive public workshops to solicit feedback from the community and launch an open call for ideas to explore Miami-Dade transit issues.

“I am looking forward to participating in the conversation led by Fastrack Institute and seeing how we can work together and implement real-world solutions that will be advantageous to Miami-Dade’s transportation issues,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez. “This initiative is a prime example of how public/private partnerships are beneficial to the community.”

Providing accessible, wide-reaching public transportation in Miami-Dade continues to be a challenge. To address this issue, Miami-Dade County is considering a significant expansion of its mass transit system. Before launching the plan, the government wants to examine what mobility will look like in the future and consider new technologies that are changing the way people get around. To this end, Miami-Dade County and Miami-Dade Expressway Authority have asked the Fastrack Institute to bring their exponential development platform to Miami-Dade to explore new and emerging transportation technologies.

“The opportunities for cities to leapfrog into the exponential new world by dealing with bits and algorithms rather than remaining stuck with dealing with atoms is of monumental importance,” said Rodrigo Arboleda, CEO of the Fastrack Institute.

Fastrack Institute programs, or Fastracks, aim to help cities develop scalable solutions to difficult urban problems in faster and more cost effective ways. The Fastrack framework is based on ideas spearheaded by Singularity University and ExO Works, organizations that focus on the impact of exponential technologies, those that are doubling in power or speed while their cost is dropping.

Knight Foundation and Miami-Dade Expressway Authority are each investing $200,000 to support the 16-week Fastrack and the Codina family is providing an additional $100,000.

With the new funding, the institute will launch the Miami-Dade Mobility Fastrack to promote the discovery, development and implementation of scalable solutions that use new and emerging technologies to address current mobility challenges. The institute will invite the Miami community to work with a variety of experts for 16 weeks to develop two solutions that will improve mobility across the Miami-Dade metropolitan area. The program will create a framework to implement mobility solutions in Miami-Dade by presenting specific, actionable plans. It will help build a network of people that want to solve this challenge together.

“In a rapidly changing world, cities must keep pace with innovation to better serve community needs. Through this partnership with Fastrack Institute, the City of Miami is taking a bold look at technology’s future and creating lessons that can spur community engagement and growth both locally and across the nation,” said Sam Gill, Knight Foundation vice president for communities and impact.

“This is a great opportunity to think beyond the mobility solutions available to us today,” said Alice N. Bravo, director of Miami-Dade County’s Department of Transportation and Public Works. “We believe the Fastrack Miami program will help us break the mold by taking an innovative approach to defining the future of mobility in Miami-Dade County.”

On August 24, 2017 from 8 a.m.-4 p.m., the Fastrack Institute will kick off the 16-week Miami-Dade Mobility Fastrack with a one-day Awake workshop in the BCC Chambers of the Steven P. Clark Government Center. Register here to attend. Awake will begin with a presentation to the public in which Miami-Dade’s transit issues will be discussed and community feedback will be collected. The institute will also launch an open call for ideas, inviting the public to submit suggestions to address Miami-Dade’s mass transit issues.

Two teams will be selected from a pool of applicants to participate in the 16-week Fastrack using Singularity University fundamentals, ExO methodology and exponential technologies. Ideas presented will be assessed based on scalability, originality and potential time to market. The teams will include global experts working hand in hand with local Miami-based participants, organizations, educational institutions and public offices. People from all over the world will converge on Miami to propose and develop technology solutions to Miami-Dade transit challenges. The Fastrack will be directed by a full-time team based in Miami. A local advisory board will also support, oversee and review the process as it unfolds.

“Fastrack Institute aims to energize our community of innovators and attract new talent to Miami, while engaging the public in meaningful solution-building,” said Chris Caines, Knight Foundation interim program director for Miami.

“Traffic and issues of mobility are some of the most serious challenges facing South Florida. We believe that Fastrack Institute’s approach to solving complex problems is ideal to assist our community with this issue that negatively impacts quality of life for all South Floridians. We are proud to be involved in this landmark program,” said Ana-Marie Codina Barlick, Codina Partners’ chief executive officer.

Support for Fastrack Institute is part of Knight Foundation’s broader effort to invest in Miami’s emerging innovators and entrepreneurs as a means to build community while fostering talent and expanding economic opportunity. Over the past five years Knight has made more than 200 investments in entrepreneurship in South Florida.

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About the Fastrack Institute
The Fastrack Institute is a 501(c)(3) private foundation dedicated to Accelerating Technology Into Society. The institute supports cities by curating scalable solutions to difficult urban problems using the Fastrack framework. The foundation believes that harnessing the power of rapidly advancing technology can help create agile, meaningful solutions to difficult societal problems.

About the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation
Knight Foundation supports transformational ideas that promote quality journalism, advance media innovation, engage communities and foster the arts. The foundation believes that democracy thrives when people and communities are informed and engaged. For more, visit www.KnightFoundation.org.

Contacts:

Rodrigo Arboleda, CEO, Miami Mobility Fastrack, Fastrack Institute, [email protected]

Anusha Alikhan, Communications Director, Knight Foundation, [email protected], 305-908-2646.

To support new ideas and new programming of civic assets by adding a literacy pilot program to neighborhood recreation centers.

To support core city vibrancy and connectivity by creating ice skating trails to connect neighborhoods during the long North Dakotan winter.

To support the San Jose Public Library to implement the new San Jose Early Learning Preschool Program Strategy, which seeks to increase the learning outcomes and reading skills of enrolled children.

To advance the concept of public value into smart city technology conversations by supporting a convening of scholars, practitioners and funders at the Harvard Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society to explore possible policy and technology solutions.

To support the Manhattan Institute’s Future of Cities white papers and symposia in Knight communities, which will explore key issues that will impact the future of informed and engaged communities.

Della Heiman is founder of The Wynwood Yard, an outdoor gathering space, culinary incubator, and community hub for culture, food and entrepreneurship. Below, she shares the story of how, in less than two years, The Yard has created a platform for entrepreneurs to shine in the Magic City. The Wynwood Yard is receiving $100,000 in new support from Knight Foundation. 

Entrepreneurs are taught to focus; to identify a niche and continuously target it, but just as important are the abilities to pivot and reimagine. I arrived in Miami with the initial goal of opening della bowls, a plant-based, fast casual restaurant designed to make healthy food approachable and affordable. The Wynwood Yard came to life when I was faced with obstacles that forced me to refocus, get creative, and ultimately change my original plan.

As it turned out, the very barriers that hindered della bowls as a brick and mortar—financially-limiting real estate conditions and an unproven business model—would become the foundation for The Wynwood Yard. With a new focus on providing entrepreneurs, particularly those in the food, beverage and creative industries with affordable space and ready access to customers, The Wynwood Yard was born.  In less than two years, it has become a cultural hub that hosts events, fosters local musicians, and offers residencies to more than 15 food, design and retail businesses.

The Wynwood Yard has gone from a vacant lot to a community gathering place.

All of the credit for this phenomenon goes to the entrepreneurs who have chosen to join us. Our resident business owners pour their magic into innovative concepts that draw a hybrid of customers hungry for globally-inspired cuisines, from American-Caribbean soul food to Brazilian barbeque to Taiwanese shaved ice cream. Each of our 15-30 weekly events is created in collaboration with a local arts, cultural, environmental or fitness entrepreneur.

What gratifies me most about The Wynwood Yard is that the myriad of offerings draws diverse people from every walk of life. The Yard has transformed into an interactive landscape for powerful human connection.

All too often, people tend to stick with the familiar, in the boundaries of a certain zone or neighborhood. The Wynwood Yard reveals that Miamians don’t have an inherent desire to avoid people who are different. At The Yard, diverse tribes end up rubbing shoulders at communal tables or while grabbing a drink at the bar. While stumbling upon something new—whether it’s a Caribbean bowl, a native flower in the garden, or a live act like Tamboka, Raquel Sofia or Juke—our guests often stumble upon someone new. That someone is often a window into a valuable culture, idea or perspective.

Our guests visit to enjoy a Grateful Dead tribute band, dance to Latin hip hop, or to lounge on the lawn during a folk festival. They come to practice yoga, to paint, to harvest herbs and to dine under the stars at farm-to-table dinners. They come to laugh, to connect, to kick off their shoes and to celebrate meaningful moments. Sometimes they even come to fall in love.

My hope is that The Wynwood Yard continues to serve as a place that all kinds of people in Miami can call their own. We plan to broaden our community offerings by adding new wellness and sustainability-focused festivals and children’s educational opportunities in our urban garden. We’ll continue to develop our core mission by providing a launch pad for culinary entrepreneurs, both via residencies and at pitch events moderated by Miami’s most visionary business leaders, developers and investors.

With the support of Knight Foundation, we’ll continue to build community and an entrepreneurial ecosystem defined by heart, soul and a daily celebration of this vibrant magic city.

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MIAMI – August 2, 2017 – The Wynwood Yard, an outdoor community gathering space in Miami, will expand its support of local entrepreneurs and its focus on creating a venue where people can connect and enjoy the city with $100,000 from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.

Launched in 2015, The Wynwood Yard is a one-of-a-kind outdoor space, housing food trucks, lounge and performance areas, and pop-up stalls, which offer everything from jewelry and crafts to local culinary delights. It regularly hosts events including cooking, arts, and fitness classes, as well as garden workshops, educational programs for children, conventions, nonprofit fundraisers, festivals, and live music. The unique structure of The Yard allows resident entrepreneurs to draw customers from these 15-30 weekly events, and to benefit from the assistance of an experienced management team.

Knight funding will advance The Wynwood Yard’s mission of providing entrepreneurs, particularly those in the food, beverage, and creative industries, with affordable space and ready access to customers. In addition, it will help The Wynwood Yard develop as a strong community hub that provides business resources for entrepreneurs and educates guests in the fields of urban farming and food systems.

New funding will also support at least two culinary entrepreneur pitch events annually. The Wynwood Yard pitch events are moderated by visionary business leaders, developers and investors in the Miami community. Their purpose is to build connections between promising food startups and community leaders who may help these entrepreneurs further develop their business through resources and opportunities such as funding, assistance with finding viable business locations, or mentorship. The first pitch event took place this past July.

“The Wynwood Yard supports Miami’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and provides a welcoming space for people from all walks of life in our community to gather and interact. Its continued evolution will help catalyze the development of creatives, entrepreneurs, innovators and agents of change who are shaping Miami’s future,” said Della Heiman, The Wynwood Yard founder.

“The Wynwood Yard is a great example of how investing in Miami’s emerging innovators and entrepreneurs can help build community. It has already shown success in helping food and creative entrepreneurs find a home, get noticed and adopt good business practices, while providing residents with a vibrant space to connect with their city and each other,” said Chris Caines, Knight Foundation interim program director for Miami.

Support for The Wynwood Yard is part of Knight Foundation’s broader effort to invest in Miami’s emerging innovators and entrepreneurs as a tool to build community while fostering talent and expanding economic opportunity. Over the past five years, Knight has made more than 200 investments in entrepreneurship in South Florida.

For more information on The Wynwood Yard, visit: thewynwoodyard.com.

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About the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation
Knight Foundation is a national foundation with strong local roots. We invest in journalism, in the arts, and in the success of cities where brothers John S. and James L. Knight once published newspapers. Our goal is to foster informed and engaged communities, which we believe are essential for a healthy democracy.

About The Wynwood Yard

The Wynwood Yard is a hub of food and culture in Miami. The food yard, events-and-live-music venue and all-day hangout space brings locals a smorgasbord of food, fitness, music and other cultural activities.

Hand-picked culinary concepts, along with The Bar at The Yard and a garden by Little River Cooperative, are anchored within a vibrant outdoor setting. The current round of food concepts includes della test kitchen, offering plant-based “healthy bowls of happy;” Brazilian Fire’s mobile rodizio grill, Kuenko, offering unique Japanese-Spanish fusion fare conceived of by Michelin-starred Chef Ricardo Sanz; Caribbean-inspired soul food by World Famous House of Mac and Mr. Bing, a purveyor of refreshing Taiwanese-inspired “Ice Cream with a Fork,”™ along with The Lone Wolfe Food Truck serving Mexican fusion cuisine; Food Dude bringing authentic Caribbean eats with a contemporary twist; and Yoko Matcha, offering 100% organic matcha tea offerings that meld Japanese tradition with bold Latin flavors. Charcoal Garden Bar + Grill is the first full-service restaurant at The Yard, and the only one in Miami built out of modified shipping containers; it features seasonal, elegant charcoal-grilled food and a bar.

Other concepts at The Wynwood Yard include Radiate Miami, a one-stop source for natural living and healthy eating offering kombucha, food and natural beauty products; PopUpStream Retail, a fashionable purveyor housed in an Airstream, along with LivBox, a prototypical container home by design startup Wyn-Box available as a showroom for potential buyers, as well as for event rentals.

Located at 56 NW 29th St. in the heart of Wynwood, The Wynwood Yard is open from noon. to 10 P.M. on Mondays. Tues.-Thurs.; 11 A.M. to 11 P.M.; Fri. – Sun. from 11 A.M. to late night. The bar is open Noon – 11 P.M. on Mondays; 11 A.M. to 11 P.M. Tues – Thurs; 11 A.M. – 2 A.M. Fri – Sun. Tel: 305-351-0366.

Contacts:

Rachel Pinzur or Mimi Chacin, Pinzur Communications, [email protected], [email protected], 305-396-1851

Anusha Alikhan, Communications Director, Knight Foundation, [email protected], 305-908-2677