In May of 2009, up-and-coming urban affairs magazine Next American City awarded their first annual “Next American Vanguard” awards to young urban leaders. The 35 individuals chosen came from 18 different states and a variety of interests that ranged from community organizing to design to environmental justice.
Partners’ Director of Program Development, Lyz Crane, was one of the selected Vanguards and participated in a two-day forum in which the chosen leaders shared their innovative work and identified a joint manifesto with 15 goals in three critical areas: transportation, civic engagement and land use planning. The 2009 Vanguards are expected to participate in the passing of the torch to next year’s class and remain involved in the magazine’s efforts to identify cutting edge urban issues.
