The Sidewalk Ballet Field Guide
The Sidewalk Ballet Field Guide is a growing collection of people, organizations, projects, books, ideas and ongoing conversations about cities and the people who shape them. It grows out of the podcast, but extends well beyond it—connecting the people doing the work, the places where it’s happening, and the ideas, experiments and resources worth carrying forward. Think of it as part reference library, part trail of breadcrumbs: a way to follow the conversation wherever it leads.
Explore by type, browse alphabetically or by date, or search for something specific. Follow the tags to discover connections—or explore the map to see where the people, projects and ideas in the Field Guide take us.
Downtown DC BID
The DowntownDC Business Improvement District works to strengthen the heart of Washington, DC as a vibrant, welcoming, and economically thriving urban center. Its work spans public-space management and activation, economic development, hospitality, events, placemaking, and advocacy, bringing together businesses, property owners, residents, and civic partners to support the continued evolution of downtown.
Kathleen Rawson
Kathleen Rawson is a place management professional with more than 30 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, public space management, placemaking, and hospitality. Rawson currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer for The Hollywood Partnership, the non-profit organization that manages the Hollywood Entertainment District, including the world-renowned Walk of Fame. Before her new role in Hollywood, Rawson served as CEO of Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. (DTSM, Inc.) from 1997 to 2022.
Chicago Loop Alliance
Chicago Loop Alliance represents the vibrant community and businesses that energize the Loop, making it a thriving neighborhood for all who visit, live, or work here.
Through programs, cultural initiatives, and partnerships, Chicago Loop Alliance brings people, investment, and opportunity to the Loop. As a member-based organization, we connect leaders, innovators, and changemakers shaping the nation’s largest central business district outside of Midtown Manhattan. Together with our affiliate, Chicago Loop Alliance Foundation, we create free cultural experiences that bring the neighborhood to life.
Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership
Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership — A nonprofit organization working to enhance and advance Downtown Pittsburgh as a vibrant, welcoming, and economically strong neighborhood. Through clean and safe services, public-space activation, events, marketing, advocacy, and economic development, the Partnership brings together businesses, residents, property owners, and civic partners to support the vitality of the city’s urban core.