Washington D.C. – The National League of Cities (NLC) has released a new resource, the Civic
Mapping Initiative, to help local governments and transit planners identify opportunities for
improving public transit access to critical civic infrastructure and resources. The Civic Mapping
Initiative offers easily navigable maps that allow local policymakers to measure the proximity of
local transit stops to public services such as Head Start centers and community colleges so that
access can be improved where needed.
“Improving access to public transit can help build more equitable communities by opening new
doors for residents and changing people’s lives,” NLC CEO and Executive Director Clarence
Anthony said. “NLC is thrilled to bring the Civic Mapping Initiative into our programming as we
continue to support local leaders in identifying opportunities to create more connectivity and
improve mobility in their cities, towns and villages.”
Originally created within the Seldin/Haring-Smith Foundation (SHSF) before being acquired by
NLC, CMI was co-founded by SHSF CEO Abigail Seldin and CMI Research Director Dr. Matt
Crespi. Dr. Crespi has joined NLC as the program director of the Civic Mapping Initiative and will
lead the expansion of the Civic Mapping Initiative and the development of new resources to
support cities, towns, and villages in ensuring civic infrastructure is accessible to all residents.
Specifically, the Civic Mapping Initiative will expand on its early successes bringing transit-
focused analyses, visualizations and policy options to support America’s cities, towns, and
villages in ensuring access to their civic infrastructure. Currently, the Civic Mapping Initiative
offers insights on transit opportunities near community colleges and HeadStart centers. To
learn more about NLC’s Civic Mapping Initiative and how to use the maps, visit https://www.nlc.org/initiative/civic-mapping-initiative/.
The National League of Cities (NLC) the voice of America’s cities, towns and villages, representing more
than 200 million people. NLC works to strengthen local leadership, influence federal policy and drive
innovative solutions. Stay connected with NLC on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.