the Neighborhood Design Center

???????? ???????? ??????????????????! We’re ‘gearing’ up for our fourth annual Bike the Sites ?? ????????: Saturday, November 9th ??????????: Starting location will be Driskell Park ????????: Bike ride throughout Hyattsville to see some of our community partner projects IRL. ?????? ??????????????????????: ?? Enjoy the beautiful fall weather ??? Connect with other NDC supporters ??? See parts of Prince George's County you haven't before ??Hear directly from local leaders & designers about the impact of these projects on surrounding neighborhoods Swipe for to view more event details and sponsorship opportunities. Route details coming soon! ?? Register: https://bit.ly/3ZbFrWD Become a sponsor: https://bit.ly/3Mxr7QM

Our Arts Space Technical Assistance (ASTA) program offers free architectural services and consultations. Supporting the creation of safe, affordable, and legal spaces for artists in Baltimore City. ?????? ???? ???????? ???? ???????? ?????????????? ???? ?????? ?????????? ??????: ? Are you a visual or performing artist, designer, arts organization, or any kind of creative entrepreneur in Baltimore City? ? Do you have questions about renovating your space or how to plan for construction? ? Are you ready for a 2-6 month process? If you answered "yes," please fill out the form. Let's discuss how our ASTA program can help you reach your goals: https://bit.ly/3Y9Q1fM

With planting season just around the corner, our team took a trip to the nursery to inspect the stock for our street tree planting program! Here’s what we looked for: ?? Trees with healthy, full foliage ?? A single main stem (one trunk) ?? 1 3/4" to 2" caliper trees – bigger trees create an immediate impact in neighborhoods! Excited to bring more greenery to our streets soon!

Meet NDC Volunteer Violeta Fiorino-Schwartz, AIA ?? Violeta was a new Baltimore resident when she got involved with NDC. "I felt I could not live here without trying to become a part of the solution in making this city more resilient, more beautiful and better for the community." And that she has. Violeta has donated both her time and design skills to helping reimagine DRUM Healthy Families. Swipe to see the conceptual design of their new headquarters ?? Violeta even continued to provide support to this project after the design work was completed - attending meetings with engineers on site and helping to brainstorm the organization's next steps in the building's development. "Building relationships with inspiring individuals in both the Baltimore community and my peers at NDC has been truly rewarding." We are proud to name Violeta the 2024 NDC Baltimore Volunteer of the Year ?? Please join us in congratulating her! Thank you for your dedication and expertise.?

We believe that everyone deserves access to thoughtful, inclusive design. Through our Community Design Works program, we pair passionate volunteer designers with organizations that would otherwise not be able to afford these essential services. This support is often the spark that helps communities bring visions to life—providing essential tools needed to fundraise, prepare grants, and ultimately, build vibrant, equitable spaces. This year alone, our volunteers have donated 1,733 hours, contributing design services valued at $204,669.50 across three incredible projects. But it’s not just about numbers—it’s about real change, right here in Maryland. Your donation powers communities' efforts to take charge of their built environments. From conceptual designs to youth engagement workshops, every dollar helps fund tools that turn a community's dream into reality. With exciting projects on the horizon, like Employ Prince George's resource center and the Coppin Heights streetscape design, your support ensures we continue to make a lasting impact. Join us in shaping a brighter, more equitable future. Give today - your support ensures these communities receive the recognition and resources they deserve, even beyond this season of giving. Please consider making a donation ?? https://ndc-md.org/donate

Congratulations to Lady Brion on becoming Maryland's Poet Laureate! As Executive Director of the?Black Arts District, Lady Brion has been a dynamic force in our community, helping to drive the creativity and innovation shaping Baltimore today. Her vision, passion, and leadership have made a lasting impact, and we are proud to have supported her and the leaders of Pennsylvania Avenue on establishing?the Black Arts District. Her commitment to advocating for underrepresented voices mirrors our own values. As First Lady Dawn Moore?so beautifully expressed, "Lady Brion uses her voice to speak up for those who have gone overlooked and been left behind for too long. She is an ambassador for those who need hope, an advocate for those who need a fighter — and she will be a champion for all Marylanders, no matter their background, zip code, or personal story."

This Good Neighbor Day, we’re celebrating the power of community! At NDC, we believe that when neighbors come together to reimagine and enhance their shared spaces, they create stronger, more vibrant neighborhoods for everyone ?? #GoodNeighborDay

???????? ?????? ???????? ?????????????????????????? ???????????? ???????????? ???????????????? ?? Every year, NDC celebrates the passionate volunteers, visionary community partners, and dynamic local leaders who are shaping the future of our neighborhoods. These remarkable individuals bridge the gap between community dreams and the resources that make them a reality. Through their expertise and dedication, they help transform ideas into solutions that empower historically disinvested communities ?? Their work with NDC creates lasting, positive change - one project, one neighborhood, one design at a time. We know that our mission wouldn’t be possible without these extraordinary contributors. That’s why, every year, we take the time to honor them through our annual awards. This year, we proudly recognize community advocates, design volunteers, long-time partners, and visionary leaders for their unwavering commitment to building more equitable, vibrant places. ?? Stay tuned for the announcement of the Larry Reich Award winner! View the annual awards: https://lnkd.in/e9-tjrPH

We love checking in with our team to see what's on their nightstand ?? Fall is packed with some good must-reads (and must-listens)! What's on your list to finish by the end of the year?

?? Latest newsletter out now! In this edition, you can find: ?? A summary of our Fireside Chat with Jasmine Hartenstein, Betty Nguyen, and Ellina Yin about San Jose’s Civics Masterclass. ?? A roundup of upcoming events, including a happy hour hosted by us at the Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations Conference on September 25 in Salt Lake City Register on eventbrite at https://lnkd.in/eDWSBp3Q ?? Inspiring community engagement stories from Urban Beginnings, the Neighborhood Design Center, and Cara Chellew ?? Job Opportunities Make sure to subscribe now so you never miss an edition! #communityengagement #civicengagement #apa #ampo