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BETTER BLOCK UNIVERSITY
Better Block University is a leadership program designed to guide folks 18+ through community informed temporary transformations of spaces or streets in their communities. Upon completion of this program, participants will have learned from the Better Block process and have the tools to successfully implement a tactical urbanism project in their community to address a Public Safety issue.
MEET THE 2026 COHORT
Andrew Finnley
Elisha Oliver
Micaela Hoops
Angela Waters
Jarley Garcia
Rachael Walsh
Deanna O'Malley
Krisa Cantrell
Eric Dafoe
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Over four months, this group will be guided by a Better Block curriculum, centered around our community-powered urban design process to re-activate neighborhoods. Equipped with this knowledge, they will each have the tools to design and implement a mini Better Block project envisioned under the scope of public safety. The BBU program will consist of hands-on coaching in design, community engagement, permitting, budgeting, evaluation, and peer learning alongside a national cohort of practitioners and community leaders.
CLASS 1:
IDENTIFY THE ISSUE & SURVEYS
During this in-person session in Dallas, participants will identify key issues and opportunities in their own neighborhoods, begin planning their projects, and get their hands dirty with a Dallas install.
AUGUST 1ST
CLASS 2:
BLOCK MAP
& PERMITTING
This virtual session is where we will dive deeper into the first steps of a Better Block project with Block Maps and how to go about permitting.
SEPTEMBER 8TH
11 A.M. - 2 P.M. CST
CLASS 3:
DESIGN & ACTIVATION
During this virtual session, students will be learning about Wikiblock, workshopping final designs, permitting plans, and brainstorming activations.
SEPTEMBER 22ND
11 A.M. - 2 P.M. CST
CLASS 4:
MARKETING & DATA GATHERING
During this virtual session, students will discuss the storytelling aspect of their projects, as well as how to gather data to help inform the story.
OCTOBER 6TH
11 A.M. - 2 P.M. CST
IN-PERSON KICKOFF: Saturday, August 1st, 2026 at the Better Block Headquarters
VIRTUAL CLASSES: Sept. 8th, Sept. 22nd, and Oct. 6th, 2026
GRADUATION: November 10th, 2026
For questions and inquiries, contact marissa@betterblock.org
Better Block University is powered by the generous donations from the
Communities Foundation of Texas, Harold Simmons Foundation, and HEB.
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