■ Master Class 4:

Community-Developed Public Spaces to Strengthen Social Bonds and Economic Resilience

This master class examines how an informal settlement in Nairobi, Kenya and an immigrant community in Long Beach, California, are each developing public spaces and activities that foster social connection, generate income, and expand equitable access to nutritious food. Despite being located in different parts of the world, underserved communities often share common challenges such as limited access to healthy, affordable foods, sustainable income sources, and public gathering areas.

Super Productive Public Spaces in Kibera, Nairobi – Regina Opondo, Kounkuey Design Initiative (KDI)
Kounkuey Design Initiative (KDI) works alongside community groups in Kibera, one of the largest urban informal settlements in Africa, to create “Super Productive” public spaces where residents can gather, relax, earn income, and more easily access healthy, affordable vegetables.

Food Policy Councils in the United States – Ryan Smolar, Long Beach Fresh, California
Decades of car-centric development in the U.S. have contributed to social isolation and reduced access to nutritious foods especially in marginalized communities. Food councils advocate for policies that: allow home-based food enterprises, foster crop swaps and other activities that improve access to healthy, affordable food and encourage public gathering spaces and places where residents can come together and build stronger community bonds.

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