How It Works

Many projects, one method.

We’ve developed a method that works. Fundamentally rooted in our philosophy to act with urgency and inclusiveness, the virtuous cycle of city-making can be applied to any quality of life issue, empowering citizens to work towards solutions and yield results.

Our advisory services are tailored to the circumstances and needs of a particular quality of life issue, while following our tried-and-tested method to success. Our virtuous cycle method consists of an iterative process, from assessing needs to post-implementation evaluations.

For example, our skateboard advocacy group discovered their specific objectives through an in-depth assessment of local data and industry research. Based on the evidence found, we developed a detailed proposal, ultimately yielding a project approved by City Council.

We act with urgency in order to capitalize on the momentum of a community, and we act with inclusiveness in order to build deep-rooted partnerships across the community and within private, public, academic and philanthropic sectors.

Past Projects

Projects that have paved the way to a better quality of life.

Featured

Working with skateboarders to secure a city-funded skate park

During a Viva Laredo workshop, a group of young skateboarders voiced their desire for a concrete park. We worked with their lead contact to secure a city council meeting and to develop a data-based, detailed proposal for a city-funded park. The park was approved and will be inaugurated in 2019 at North Central Park.

Revitalizing Downtown Laredo - "IT" Street

We assisted in creating and passing a city economic development program to incentivize the rehabilitation of existing buildings in the downtown district creating an entertainment corridor of restaurants and bars along Iturbide “IT” Street.

Creating a Downtown Bar Alliance

Together with Laredo Main Street and local stakeholders, we helped organize bar owners into an alliance that can coordinate area-specific needs to the City, as well as create collective marketing efforts to grow business in the area.

Activating the first Demonstration Urban Farm

The Laredo Center for Urban Agriculture & Sustainability (LCUAS) is made up of a group of citizens who each advocate and believe in creating local food production and education. Advocates include a local beekeeper, restaurateurs, an academic professor, a school district representative, horticulture experts, and interested citizens.

Organizing a Young Professionals Network

We help support and organize the momentum of young entrepreneurs, professionals, and creatives to creating a city they want. We are facilitating marketing, legal and financial support to create effective outreach and productivity.

Enabling a data-based city government

An initiative of Bloomberg Philanthropies, What Works Cities works with local municipalities to increase and improve the use of data in order to have evidence-driven policies and allow for informed decision-making by elected officials and their constituents.

We worked with the community to bring this initiative to the City of Laredo. After a lengthy and competitive application process, Laredo was selected as the 67th What Works City and the only city along the US-Mexico border.

Helping artists create a downtown mural

We helped the local art initiative Cultivarte create The Zaragoza Zarape Mural on the intersection of Zaragoza Street and Convent Avenue. The mural celebrates the connection between the United States and Mexico and provides additional safety to pedestrians and bicyclists that frequent the downtown area. We facilitated the partnership between city leaders and Cultivarte which brought this work of art to life in downtown Laredo.

City Makery

Leading Laredo's First Urban Agriculture Center

City Makery

We guided local food advocates in the creation of Laredo’s first urban agriculture and sustainability center, creating a central hub for Laredoans of all ages and regions to learn about sustainable food production.

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Laredo Food Policy Council

City Makery

We facilitated the creation of the Laredo Food Policy Council, an open forum organization aimed at busting silos and fostering collaboration among Laredo’s food institutions.

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Bike Laredo

City Makery

Aimed at improving mobility and transportation access for all Laredoans, Bike Laredo served as the community-based organization leading local policy and community engagement around transportation needs.

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Active Transportation Committee

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As Bike Laredo’s efforts grew, it successfully integreated into the TX Metropolitan Planning Organization, ensuring there is a concentrated group advocating for active transportation in the growth and planning of the region’s mobility efforts.

City Makery