Our Mission
PlacemakingUS connects people who are reimagining how communities come alive. Across the country, we’re helping neighborhoods heal from the damages of car-centric design, disinvestment, and inequity—sharing the tools, resources, and relationships needed to rebuild resilient, creative, and connected places for the 21st century.
We are organized as a 501c(3) non-profit project of Social Environmental Entrepreneurs. Please donate and support our work!
Our Story
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The idea for PlacemakingUS was sparked at the Project for Public Spaces’ 2019 U.S. Placemaking Week, when Ethan Kent of PlacemakingX invited Ryan Smolar to initiate a national network to connect and strengthen placemaking efforts across the country.
Since then, we’ve evolved from a loose coalition of peers into a nonprofit network recognized for our training, technical assistance, and convening power. We work alongside city leaders, grassroots organizers, and national partners to advance place-based strategies for equity, climate resilience, and community prosperity. |
In 2022, after substantial growth in activities, members, and partnerships, PlacemakingUS organized as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit project of Social Environmental Entrepreneurs. Become a Donor.
Interests piqued? Please reach out to Ryan as he will be working to bring representatives from all of the networks -- from Europe, Latin America, Asia and others. |
Annual Summaries & Reports
Our reports capture key moments in the PlacemakingUS journey—spotlighting the projects, partnerships, and insights that have shaped our national network over time. Each reflects a chapter in how placemakers across the U.S. have come together to connect, learn, and transform communities.
PlacemakingUS Leadership
PLACEMAKINGUS CORE TEAM
Want to volunteer to work with us on pro bono projects? Placemaker Sign-up
- Ryan Smolar — Initiator, Content Developer & Lead Consultant, Los Angeles, CA
- Lili Razi — Urban Designer & Artist, Philadelphia, PA
- Fatima Elkott — Urban Planning & Community Engagement, Tampa, FL
- Wendy Farjapour — Sales, Communications & Events, Los Angeles, CA
- Ethan Kent — Advisor, Brooklyn, NY
- Josh Kent — Information Infrastructure, Brooklyn, NY
Want to volunteer to work with us on pro bono projects? Placemaker Sign-up
Bring the Movement to Life in Your Community
PlacemakingUS is a national network connecting people who make communities thrive. We bring together placemakers from across the country to share tools, training, and inspiration for transforming public spaces into vibrant centers of connection and creativity.
There are many ways to get involved:
There are many ways to get involved:
- Connect: Join our mailing list and social media to stay up to date on upcoming programs, exchanges, and events.
- Collaborate: Partner with us to host a workshop, webinar, or placemaking exchange in your community.
- Contribute: Support our nonprofit mission through sponsorships, donations, or by volunteering your expertise on projects and events.
- Work with Us: Hire us or include us as grant partners to bring the power of our national network, experience, and visibility to your project.
