Open Streets helps build community in Boston, and Shana Bryant helps build Open Streets

Banner Business Sponsored by The Boston Foundation

Culture wars are pushing re-segregation and Americans are feeling it. Experiencing a sense of societal connection is increasingly important. A 2023 study by the Surgeon General found that 50% of Americans feel lonely and lack social connections. Organizing large local events can significantly help foster meaningful social interactions. It is crucial for local elected officials to recognize their role and responsibility in promoting social connectivity within their communities.

In recent years, Open Streets has demonstrated how cities can foster connections among residents. Sponsored by the city of Boston, these neighborhood block parties have brought together thousands of Bostonians and local businesses to celebrate their communities. When examined more closely, Open Streets serves as a model for cities to build community and support diverse vendors.

During Open Streets events, neighborhood streets are closed to vehicular traffic, creating space for community activities and play. These half-day events allow local businesses to expand into the street while providing a safe environment for music, games, biking, community tabling, and more. Held throughout Boston during the summer and fall, these neighborhood gatherings offer an opportunity for Boston communities to showcase their culture.

The Open Streets concept is based on four key areas: community engagement, economic boost, social connection and collaborative approach. For over three years, this concept has been successfully implemented in neighborhoods throughout Boston as part of an annual event series. The success of this series demonstrates the ability of these easily replicated events to unite communities of all sizes.

Neighborhoods see a clear boost in local economies during Open Streets. CBS covered Open Streets in 2024, reporting, “At the core, La Hacienda is a small, family-owned restaurant in the heart of East Boston. They made their Open Streets debut when the city-run program made a stop in the neighborhood on Sept. 15. ‘I put a little pupusas stand out there. I had the ladies making some fresh pupusas right there for the people walking by to check out,’ owner Aldo Callejas said. ‘I was expecting, hopefully, to get to $500.”’ That $500 goal quickly exceeded $2,000 in a matter of hours.

The key to this model’s success is Shana Bryant Consulting, which has been partnering with the city of Boston to host Open Streets events that have garnered significant attention and impact. Her approach fosters collaboration among diverse stakeholders, and the results are impressive. Over one hundred thousand people attend these Open Streets events, and $3 million has been reinvested directly into the community, benefiting more than 3,100 small businesses and nonprofit organizations involved in the initiative.

Who is Shana Bryant? She is the head of Shana Bryant Consulting and was born and raised in Boston. She has spent much of her life organizing communities, including serving on the executive committee of the NAACP. Her strong community connections and deep understanding of how to develop local economies enabled her to leverage the Open Streets project to engage communities and foster lasting economic relationships between diverse businesses and the city.

Shana Bryant Consulting led the detailed planning and successful execution of Open Streets Boston, an innovative citywide initiative supported by Mayor Wu and the city of Boston aimed at creating an inclusive outdoor community space.

SBC developed a comprehensive organizational plan for sponsorship activities and designed engaging play areas for children, along with dynamic activities. The project seamlessly integrated lively local performances, supported small businesses along main streets, and ensured effective coordination with law enforcement. We asked Shana about Open Streets and how she ensures its success.

Banner: What excited you about the Open Streets project?

Bryant: Securing my first government contract, the first I ever bid on, was a significant milestone for my business. It was April 2021, and we were still recovering from the impact of COVID-19, which had hit my business hard. This contract provided a much-needed boost and the opportunity to work with the community on a multi-neighborhood project.

As an event planner, there’s always something thrilling about taking on a new challenge filled with unknowns —but recognizing that you have the ability to make it happen is what makes it all worth it. On top of that, having the opportunity to shut down major streets in Boston, like Centre Street in Jamaica Plain, Dorchester Ave, and Blue Hill Ave in Roxbury—where I’ve lived for the past 25 years, just five minutes from my home—was surreal. How is that not exciting?

How have you worked to expand Open Streets each year?

With each successful year, Open Streets has expanded, growing from three neighborhoods in 2022 to five in 2023 and now six in 2024. This growth has increased the event’s economic impact, allowing me to expand my team of consultants, service providers, vendors and programming partners. From 2022 to 2024, we’ve grown from 100 programming partners to over 450 at each event, providing resources, products and food to the community.

Each year, my team has set a goal to increase both the diversity and the number of small businesses and nonprofits participating in Open Streets. The event’s steady growth is a true testament to the importance of community-driven initiatives. Boston is rich in resources, but access to those resources isn’t always equitable. Open Streets has helped bridge that gap, creating an ideal space for new and growing small businesses to connect with customers in different neighborhoods. It has truly been a win-win. Over three years, partner sign-ups have increased by 348%, with over 850 inquiries to participate in 2024 alone.

How does SBC ensure diverse vendors are included?

As a Black woman, I prioritize hiring highly qualified vendors and service providers who reflect my community, including other Black professionals and women-owned businesses. Diversity and inclusion are embedded in the way I do business, ensuring that Open Streets remains a platform for equitable economic opportunities.