Join us in sparking a new discussion on how to build a healthier, happier and more equitable San Jose for all people. From November 7-9, the San Jose Public Life Summit will bring a series of events designed to inspire leaders and residents to move forward with ambitious projects that support sustainable mobility, vibrant public spaces and civic engagement.
The summit features Gil Penalosa, founder and chair of 8 80 Cities. Named by Planetizen as one of the 100 most influential urbanists for his advocacy in designing public spaces for people of all ages and backgrounds, Gil has inspired and advised decision makers, service providers and community leaders in more than 250 cities around the world.
This event is co-organized by 8 80 Cities, SPUR and the City of San Jose, with generous support from the Knight Foundation.
All listed events are free and open to the public.
3:30 p.m. — Mayfair-Plata Arroyo Community Walk-Audit
Participate in a 1.5 mile “walk audit” — conducted in Spanish — and identify where and how improvements can be made to the walkability of the Mayfair-Plata Arroyo community. The walk will start and end at the Mexican Heritage Plaza, with stops at Plata Arroyo Park, McKee Retail Center, Ann Darling School and the Little Portugal/Alum Rock Business District. Food and light refreshments provided. To learn more and register for the event, contact Brenda Andrade at [email protected] or (408) 937-2558. Registration is required. Co-hosted by AARP San Jose and SOMOS Mayfair.
Location: Mexican Heritage Plaza | 1700 Alum Rock Ave, San Jose, CA 95116
5:00 p.m. — Gil Penalosa: Creating Happier and Healthier Cities
Join us for an energetic keynote presentation by 8 80 Cities Founder, Gil Penalosa. 8 80 Cities brings residents together to enhance mobility and public spaces to create happier, healthier and more equitable communities. Join the conversation as we discuss vibrant parks and open spaces for people of all ages. . Food and light refreshments provided. Registration is required. Co-hosted by AARP San Jose and SOMOS Mayfair.
Location: Mexican Heritage Plaza | 1700 Alum Rock Ave, San Jose, CA 95116
10:30 a.m. — The Intergenerational City
To celebrate the launch of Generation 2 Generation, a program designed to engage adults ages 50+ with San Jose youth and children, Gil Penalosa will be giving a public talk on the topic of the benefits of designing cities using an intergenerational lens. Following his talk, stick around for Enrich Your Life — Inspire a Child, an event that will showcase intergenerational opportunities in San Jose. Co-hosted by Generation2Generation, Aging Services Collaborative and Santa Clara County of Aging and Adult Services.
Register for Enrich Your Life — Inspire a Child >>
Location: City Hall Rotunda | 200 East Santa Clara Street, San Jose, CA 95113
4 p.m. — Speakers’ Corner: Creating a More Student- and Age-Friendly San Jose
San Jose State University President Mary Papazian will host a conversation with Gil Penalosa about how his unique approach to city building can help create a city that is more inviting for students and people of all ages. All are welcome to attend! Co-hosted by San Jose State University.
Register for Speakers' Corner >>
Location: Martin Luther King Jr. Library – Room 255 | San Jose State University | 1 Washington Square, San Jose, CA 95192
7 p.m. — Pitch, Please!?
Pitch Please!? is a play off the TV show Shark Tank. It will be an open mic to solicit ideas for community-based art and engagement projects. Up to five winners will be selected to receive micro-grants of $1,000 each. If you’re a woman with a great idea and get selected by the panel, you will automatically receive 30% more in funding, for a total of $1,300. Pitch Please!? will be the final, celebratory event to cap off the San Jose Public Life Summit. Gil Penalosa will serve as one of the judges on the panel. Hosted by Local Color, with support from Exhibition District and Awesome Foundation.
Register to pitch your idea >>
Register to attend the event >>
6:00 – 7:00pm: Pre-Party
7:00 – 9:00pm: Pitch Please!? competition
9:00 – 10:00pm: Post-Party
Location: Local Color | 27 S 1st Street, San Jose, CA 95113