Public spaces are rarely the result of a single visionary effort; more often, they are the product of multi-agency coordination, layered funding sources, and evolving governance models that reflect the constraints and opportunities of each place.
This peer conversation is rooted in Constructing the American Public Realm (CAPR)— a collaborative research project initiated by the McHarg Center at the University of Pennsylvania and PORT, that analyzes how parks, plazas, and public spaces are funded, governed, and delivered across the United States. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the forces that shape public space funding and governance in their communities, practical insights from peers facing similar constraints, and a flexible toolset they can use to inform future conversations with funders, stakeholders, and agency partners.