Kathleen A. Madden (1947-2025)
Kathleen (“Kathy”) A. Madden, a prominent urban public spaces expert and placemaking leader, died on October 20, 2025, at her home in Brooklyn following a brief hospitalization.
Ethan Kent
Ethan supports public space and placemaking leadership, networks, and impact globally as Executive Director of PlacemakingX. Formerly Senior Vice President of Project for Public Spaces.
Check out the latest posts
Street Vendors and Public Markets Can Drive the Future of Thriving and Inclusive Cities
Public spaces need informal vending, formal markets, and conventional storefronts in order to thrive.
Happy Social Life! Team Social Life Project Reflects on Our Favorite Articles of the Year
As we transition from 2024 to 2025, we want to look back at our articles from the past year and highlight our favorites.
Placemaking for Joy Supports People-Powered Places
The best public spaces enable people to experience and express joy.
Great Waterfronts Around the World and A New Vision for the Brooklyn Waterfront
The city's and state's vision planning process for the Brooklyn Maritime District presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reconnect our historic Brooklyn neighborhoods to the waterfront and create a significant community destination.
NYC is Stuck in Traffic: Congestion Pricing and Reimagined Streets Can Break Us Free
Congestion pricing is key to improving NYC, but not the only change necessary. Reshaping streets as places for social and commercial life may be the most important way forward.