Ten years ago, we started with a simple belief: our neighborhoods could be better. What began as a weekend experiment on one street in Texas has grown into a global movement, powered by community and driven by action.
Our 10-Year Impact Report celebrates a decade of transformation and the stories that redefined what’s possible in our public spaces from 2015–2025. To capture the depth of this work, our partners at SMU’s MADI program conducted 25 in-depth interviews and gathered both qualitative and quantitative insights from founders, leaders, and community members.
We’ve organized these learnings into 8 pillars of Urban Transformation: the core principles behind every Better Block project, from using temporary change to spark permanent impact, to putting community at the center, to letting data speak louder than opposition.
Over the next few months, we invite you to join us on a journey through 10 years of Better Block’s impact!
#BetterBlock #BetterBlock10YearImpact #Placemaking #UrbanDesign #ThirdSpace
Applications for Better Block University 2026 are now open!
Have an idea to make your neighborhood safer, more connected, or more vibrant? Better Block University is a 4-month leadership program designed to help you turn that idea into action through real, community-powered transformation.
We’re looking for 15 passionate changemakers (18 years and older) with no specific background required - just a commitment to improving your community through public safety-focused projects. Through hands-on coaching and mentorship with the Better Block team, you’ll learn how to design and implement your own tactical urbanism activation.
Application details:
• 5 spots reserved for North Texas
• 10 spots open to applicants worldwide
• Tuition for the program is $5,000. This includes access to five class days and the BBU cohort, 10 hours of one-on-one mentorship with our team, and hotel costs for the in-person kickoff in Dallas, Texas (flights not included).
• North Texas Scholarships: Thanks to support from the Communities Foundation of Texas (@communitiesfoundationoftexas ), Harold Simmons Foundation, and HEB, the selected North Texas participants will receive full tuition plus a $2,500 project grant.
Ready to build the change you want to see? Visit the link in our bio or head to betterblock.org/bbu to apply before applications close June 12!
#BetterBlock #BetterBlockUniversity #UrbanDesign #TacticalUrbanism #Community
We recently hit 10k followers on our Instagram, so we thought it was due time for a little reintroduction of who we are, what we do, and why we do it!
Whether you’ve been with us from the beginning or just joined the journey, we want to say thank you to our supporters, partners, community members, and volunteers over the years.
Because of you, we’re able to create positive and meaningful changes to communities one block at a time.
#BetterBlock #UrbanDesign #Placemaking #TacticalUrbanism
From safer crossings to vibrant public spaces, the 2025 Better Block University cohort brought bold community ideas to life through tactical urbanism and safer streets! Over the next few weeks, we’ll be highlighting the incredible projects created by our 12 BBU participants. Here’s a look at the first four:
Faced with limited public gathering spaces, Brittany transformed five parking spaces into a temporary pop-up park during a community Walkabout. By adding curb extensions, narrowing overly wide travel lanes, and shortening crossing distances, the project slowed traffic speeds and created a safer, more comfortable space for neighbors to gather, walk, and connect.
In response to heavy traffic along Kansas Avenue, Monica worked with community members and muralist José Faus to transform the corridor through vibrant public art and placemaking. With the community, they painted a large-scale mural, 10 sidewalk designs inspired by Lotería Mexicana, and a colorful crosswalk connecting nearby small businesses. This created a safer, more welcoming streetscape that celebrates the culture and identity of the Armourdale neighborhood.
To reimagine an underutilized public square in downtown Ardmore, Craig led a community-informed transformation centered on beauty, comfort, and sustainability. The project featured a vibrant mural inspired by migratory bird flight patterns, custom-built planters, native plantings, flexible seating, and a revived Windows Into History installation celebrating the plaza’s rich transit heritage.
Andrew’s project at the Martin Luther King Community Center in Fort Worth focused on creating a safer, cleaner, and more welcoming environment through community-driven design. With the help of 30 volunteers, the team built and planted raised flower beds around the center’s entryway and enhanced the space’s appearance while supporting principles of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design to foster greater community pride and ownership.
Inspired by these projects? Applications for the Better Block University 2026 cohort are now open! Apply today at betterblock.org/bbu
#BetterBlock #BetterBlockUniversity #UrbanDesign #TacticalUrbanism #SaferStreets
What makes a green space feel welcoming? Simple seating, shade, color, and a little play can go a long way!
That’s exactly what we brought to West Trinity Heights Park during our “Picnic in the Park” event in Oak Cliff’s Vermont Village. Thanks to the support of The Dallas Foundation (@thedallasfoundation ) and their 2025 Summer Grant Cycle, we teamed up with local neighbors and nearby students at KIPP (@kipptexas ) to help build, paint, and activate the greenspace.
From the Wikiblock Everybody Table and Dreambox Couch to brand-new designs like the Reese Lawn Chair and Pup-lick Stick Library, every element helped transform the park into a more welcoming space for neighbors to relax, play, and spend time together. With live music by @kane.vinson.music , cold popsicles, healthy drinks from @recipeoakcliff , and plenty of bubbles from Big Bubble Heroes, it became a beautiful reminder of what’s possible when communities shape spaces together.
Next time you’re in the neighborhood and need to touch some grass, make sure to stop by West Trinity Heights Park!
#BetterBlock #Greenspace #ThirdSpace #Dallas #TacticalUrbanism
What if the idea you have for your neighborhood could actually happen?
Better Block University was created for people who see potential in their communities and are ready to take the first step toward change! Over four months, participants learn how to transform ideas into action through hands-on mentorship, collaboration, and real-world tactical urbanism projects focused on public safety.
Whether you’re passionate about safer crossings, activated public spaces, community gathering spots, or stronger neighborhood connections, BBU is designed to help you build it.
Applications for the 2026 cohort are now open, and we’re looking for 15 participants - 5 in North Texas and 10 worldwide - to join the movement. There are also full tuition scholarships of $2,500 available for North Texas applicants thanks to the support from the Communities Foundation of Texas (@communitiesfoundationoftexas ), Harold Simmons Foundation, and HEB.
Learn more and apply at betterblock.org/bbu!
#BetterBlock #BetterBlockUniversity #UrbanDesign #TacticalUrbanism #Community
What started as a temporary activation turned into something more.
While our portion of the project concluded a couple of months ago and we’re now working with The Loop (@theloopdallas ) on permanent improvements informed by the demonstration, one thing has continued week after week: the Cottonwood Run Club by @friendsofcottonwood
Started by Johnny Wise (@johnny_d_wise ) and Rachel Mukweyi (@runandserve ), the club was launched during the Cottonwood Creek Trail activation and has continued to build momentum. Their regular presence is key to keeping the trail active, visible, and accessible to the community. It’s proof that when you invest in people, the impact lasts far beyond the project.
Visit their profile for updates and details on the next run!
📍Location meet up: 8210 Forest Lane, Dallas TX 75251 | Every Sunday at 8:30 A.M.
#TacticalUrbanism #TheLoopDallas #BetterBlock #CottonwoodCreekTrail
For the final leg of our Paris Learning Journey with Reimagining Civic Commons (@civiccommonsus ), we traded in our bikes and took public transit to Hôtel de Ville to visit the Urban Forest at their town hall.
There, we met with Pascal from the City of Paris (@paris_maville ), who guided us through their work and shared how urban forests function as civic infrastructure by helping cool the city through connecting neighborhoods.
Our final stop was at Césure (@cesure.paris ) with Plateau Urbain (@plateau.urbain ), where Adrien Monange and Mathias Rouet welcomed us into a “third place” dedicated to learning, collaboration, and experimentation. Located on the former Censier campus of the Sorbonne-Nouvelle, Césure has been transformed into an open, creative space where knowledge and community intersect. We also had the opportunity to speak with Marion Waller (@marion__waller ), a member of the Paris City Council and Director of the Pavillon de l’Arsenal, the Center for Urban Planning and Architecture in Paris. An urban planner and philosopher, she previously served as an advisor to the Mayor from 2014 to 2023 and helped lead the “Reinventing Paris” competition, an initiative that reimagined 23 sites across the city.
We closed out the journey with a reflective group workshop, sharing insights and lessons learned, and exploring how these ideas can continue to advance the core goals of Reimagining the Civic Commons.
Across three days in Paris, we explored how policy, design, and community come together to shape a more people-centered city - from riverfronts and bike networks to urban forests and reimagined public spaces.
A special thank you to our incredible translator, Charlotte Burnod, for guiding us throughout the journey and our amazing participants for coming along for the ride!
@myphillypark , @live6alliance , @cityofsanjose , @cityofakronhr , @tristatetrails , @towpathtrail , @camdencommunitypartnership , @mydowntowncamden , @cltgov , @knightfdn , @thekresgefoundation , @mecklenburgcounty , @investdet , @bgcfky , @civiclex.ky , @maconbibbcounty , @citymemphis , @phl_council , @cincinnati_port , @yesforparkslex
#BetterBlock #PublicSpaces #UrbanDesign #Paris #CivicCommons
Continuing our Paris Learning Journey with Reimagining the Civic Commons (@civiccommonsus ), we explored how streets, nature, and public life intersect in and around central Paris.
We began in Saint-Denis with a visit to the Olympic Aquatic Center and a walking tour led by Alex Lapinte-Law of Agence POP (@agence_pop_peopleofpublicity ). There, we learned how major events, like the 2024 Summer Olympics, can create lasting community benefits when planned with intention.
For lunch, we stopped at La REcyclerie (@larecyclerie ), an urban farm and eco-center restaurant located along a former Petite Ceinture station, now transformed into a vibrant community space. We then hopped on bikes to explore the La Chapelle area with Agnès Bonhomme from the City of Paris (@paris_maville ), discussing how former infrastructure can be reclaimed for nature and everyday neighborhood life.
We wrapped up the day at Rue Louis Blanc’s School Street, where Hiba Bedouin and Fabien Clavier of AREP (@arep_group ) shared how reimagining streets around schools can help rebalance public space for daily life.
Day two showed us how infrastructure, nature, and community can work together at every scale. Up next: Day 3, where we bring it all together!
(Photos 13 - 17 by @soniayassa )
@myphillypark , @live6alliance , @cityofsanjose , @cityofakronhr , @tristatetrails , @towpathtrail , @camdencommunitypartnership , @mydowntowncamden , @cltgov , @knightfdn , @thekresgefoundation , @mecklenburgcounty , @investdet , @bgcfky , @civiclex.ky , @maconbibbcounty , @citymemphis , @phl_council , @cincinnati_port , @yesforparkslex
#BetterBlock #PublicSpaces #UrbanDesign #Paris #CivicCommons
We had the pleasure of working alongside Reimagining the Civic Commons (@civiccommonsus ) to create a three-day Learning Journey in Paris for 25 leaders from ten U.S. cities.
These photos capture highlights from our first day. From policy to pavement, we explored Paris’ public realm with the City of Paris’ Agency for Urban Ecology (@paris_maville ). Céleste Roubérol and Director François Moreau shared their work advancing biodiversity, urban nature, animal welfare, and sustainable food systems across the city.
We then hopped on bikes for a guided tour with Paris en Selle (@parisenselle ) and Paris Bike Tour (@parisbiketour ). Corentin Roudaut, spokesperson for Paris en Selle, shared how in just 30 years, Paris used cycling as a catalyst for rethinking mobility and street life.
Along the way, we experienced how the Seine River functions as a vital civic asset and supports public life along its edges. We stopped to admire Notre Dame Cathedral and even chatted with a local fisherman about his experience on the river.
Day one was all about covering policies, shaping the city by design, and experiencing Paris at the street level. Day two dives deeper into how these ideas come to life across the city. Stay tuned!
@myphillypark , @live6alliance , @cityofsanjose , @cityofakronhr , @tristatetrails , @towpathtrail , @camdencommunitypartnership , @mydowntowncamden , @cltgov , @knightfdn , @thekresgefoundation , @mecklenburgcounty , @investdet , @bgcfky , @civiclex.ky , @maconbibbcounty , @citymemphis , @phl_council , @cincinnati_port , @yesforparkslex
#BetterBlock #PublicSpaces #UrbanDesign #Paris #CivicCommons
Get a first look at how Main Street is being reimagined for people!
In partnership with Downtown Dallas Inc (@downtown_dallas ) and local neighbors, Better Block is transforming parking spaces along Main Street into vibrant community gathering spaces during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Design features include seating, shade, games, new Wikiblock installations, a World Pup Stick Library, and a large-scale ground mural inspired by the texture of Downtown Dallas.
While this 39-day activation is temporary, the impact is long-term. Better Block will work alongside DDI and local volunteers to gather data on public life, traffic speeds, and safety to better help inform future improvements for a more walkable, people-centered Downtown.
Join us for hands-on workshops where you can build, paint, plant, repair, and help bring this space to life. Or be part of the data-gathering team to help track how people move, gather, and experience the activated street.
Visit betterblock.org/activatemainstreet or click the link in our bio to sign up and get involved!
#BetterBlock #DowntownDallas #Dallas #UrbanDesign #WalkableCities
This was just a parking lot. Now imagine 2,000 families a day waiting outside with no shade, no seating, no care in the design.
So we changed it. In Pleasant Grove, we added color, shade, places to sit, and even space to play.
Suddenly, waiting felt human and the space felt welcoming. 65,000 families experienced that shift.
But here’s the part no one sees, we fought to stretch a 3-month permit into a year just to keep the shade. Ultimately, we had to remove the elements at the end of the demonstration, but through this initiative we were able to Show, Don’t Tell.
Stay tuned for Pillar 2: Community as Co-Creators
#betterblock #placemaking #urbandesign #dallas #publicspace
