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.
Kris Larsen
Kris Larson is President and CEO of Central Houston, Inc., where he works with business, civic, and community leaders to advance the continued growth and vitality of Downtown Houston and the city’s urban core. As the former Board Chair of the International Downtown Association and a longtime leader in downtown and place management, his work spans economic development, public space, transportation, planning, advocacy, and the partnerships needed to build strong and resilient city centers.
Betsy Brennan
Betsy Brennan is President & CEO of the Downtown San Diego Partnership, where she leads efforts to strengthen Downtown San Diego as a vibrant, welcoming, and economically resilient urban center. Her work brings together business, civic, and community partners around everything from economic development and public space to clean-and-safe programs, mobility, and the downtown experience.
LA’s Social District
A 52-block Downtown Los Angeles district working at the intersection of place management, community building, and one of the city’s largest sports and entertainment destinations.
Pico
PICO is the canine face of the Social District in Downtown Los Angeles and the inspiration behind Pico’s Corner, the district’s collection of resources for neighborhood dogs and their people. The guide connects residents and visitors with dog parks, the district’s Barklets, grooming, veterinary care, pet stores, and doggy day care—an unusually delightful example of a business district treating four-legged residents as part of downtown life.