Public Life Study Volunteer, Church Street Pedestrianization Pilot

We are guided by the simple but powerful idea that if everything we do in our cities is great for an 8 year old and an 80 year old, then it will be better for all people. We envision healthy, happy, and sustainable cities for people to grow up and grow old in; where all people have the right to safe and active mobility, welcoming and accessible public spaces, and inclusive city-building processes.

8 80 Cities is one of the partners on Experience the Village / Church Street Pedestrian Pilot. From June 19 to August 21, 2026, a stretch of Church Street from Wellesley Street to Alexander Street closes to through traffic and opens to people (a map of the closure is linked here for reference). Expect street furniture, planters, live events, local markets, and the kind of spontaneous, joyful street life that has always defined the Village — amplified. The pilot is a partnership between the local Councillor’s office and the Church Wellesley Village BIA.

Our role includes conducting a baseline Public Life Study (PLS) to gather data about what the street looks like before the pilot is implemented. We’d love support from volunteers as we complete this stage of evaluation!

Responsibilities Include:

• There will be a mandatory virtual PLS Training on Friday, June 12, from 4:00 pm -5:00 pm.
• Public Life Studies will take place on Saturday, June 13 and Monday, June 15 (with a backup date of Sunday, June 14).
• There are 5 time slots for each day:
  – 7:30 – 8:30 AM
  – 10:00 – 11:00 AM
  – 2:00 – 3:00 PM
  – 6:30 -7:30 PM
  – 10:30 – 11:30 PM

Volunteers should be familiar with or interested in developing skills in placemaking, urban planning, spatial design, data analysis, and community engagement. Individuals from the 2SLGBTQIA+ community are encouraged to apply.

Application Deadline:

Thursday, June 11, 2026

Interested volunteers should email their availability, including dates/time slots, with the subject line “Public Life Study, Church Street” to volunteer@880cities.org.

If selected, we’ll share a link to the training and provide additional details.