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.

Chip Chip 9/3/26 Chip Chip 9/3/26

Lukas Umana

Lukas Umana is Senior Director of Public Space Operations and Activations at the DowntownDC BID, where he leads work to create clean, safe, vibrant, and memorable public spaces. His work brings together placemaking, public art, events, hospitality, and creative partnerships to strengthen Downtown DC and demonstrate the economic and community value of great public-space experiences

Chip Chip 6/30/26 Chip Chip 6/30/26

Michael Edwards

Michael Edwards led the Chicago Loop Alliance from November 2012 to March 2026. The Chicago 'Loop' is America's iconic downtown. Chicago Loop Alliance creates, manages and promotes high performing urban experiences attracting people and investment. Critical accomplishments include a (2) new 5 year strategic action plans, comprehensive street team program, activation of under-performing public spaces, post pandemic Sundays on State and a renewed leadership role in Chicago.

Chip Chip 5/12/26 Chip Chip 5/12/26

Minnesota Justice Research Center

The Minnesota Justice Research Center (MNJRC) is an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to driving meaningful change to Minnesota’s criminal legal system through rigorous and community-centered research, education, and policy development.

Chip Chip 5/12/26 Chip Chip 5/12/26

Minneapolis Downtown Improvement District

The Minneapolis Downtown Improvement District works to make downtown Minneapolis safer, cleaner, greener, and more welcoming. Created in 2009, the district provides enhanced public-realm services while coordinating closely with businesses, property owners, public agencies, and community partners on the everyday experience of downtown.