Articles by

Kyle Kutuchief

  • Communities and National Initiatives

    Reconnecting communities: Restoring connectivity, economy and vibrancy

    Cities across the United States are transforming urban landscapes once divided by highways, rebuilding communities with innovative revitalization projects and fostering new connections through the Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program. In the mid-20th century, the building of highways and freeways in many Knight Foundation communities came at a cost––their construction divided and cut off vibrant urban […]

    Article · November 28, 2023 by , , , , and

  • Communities

    Summit Lake: creating an equitable and inclusive public space in partnership with residents

    Akron’s Summit Lake was once neglected, but members of the community came together to ensure the lake served Akronites as an accessible and popular public space. Summit Lake’s transformation includes the construction of a destination park, and most recently, a Nature Center that will open its doors in July. Knight’s Kyle Kutuchief shares more about […]

    Article · June 23, 2021 by

  • Communities

    The Power of Akron’s Public Spaces

    On September 22, 2020, Knight Foundation announced nearly $8M to support the expansion of public spaces in Akron. Click here to see the press release. Knight’s Kyle Kutuchief shares more below. As Greater Akron navigates COVID-19, outdoor public spaces have taken on a new importance in daily life. All of us need more fresh air. […]

    Article · September 22, 2020 by

  • Communities

    Watch Akron grow

    Akron is growing. That is a phrase we haven’t been able to say since the 1960’s when population peaked at 292,000.  Since then, the city has lost roughly one-third of its population. Yet Akron grew by 135 people in 2015, according to the most recent Census estimate. It’s not a lot – you could line […]

    Article · November 16, 2018 by

  • Arts

    Announcing the finalists in the Knight Arts Challenge Akron

    Bahia Ramos is arts program director and Kyle Kutuchief is Akron program director at Knight Foundation. Photo: Ape, a screen printer coming to the 7th annual Crafty Mart; photo by Daniel Lozada. ​This post has been updated to reflect that winners will be announced in March 2016.  Our first Knight Arts Challenge Akron launched just […]

    Article · November 19, 2015 by

  • Communities

    Knight Cities Challenge mines creative ideas of Akron, Ohio, and other Knight communities

    Taste of Akron at Hardesty Park, July 24, 2014. Photo by Flickr user Tim Fitzwater. The Knight Cities Challenge offers applicants a chance to share in $5 million by focusing on the question, “What’s your best idea to make cities more successful?” The challenge will test the most innovative ideas in attracting and retaining talent, expanding economic […]

    Article · October 28, 2014 by

  • Communities

    Projects will connect interns and job candidates to Akron

    Torchbearers, a group that develops leadership among young professionals in Greater Akron, Ohio, is piloting two talent attraction and retention programs with support from Knight Foundation. Below, Torchbearers Vice President Kyle Kutuchief writes about the new programs. Above: A Torchbearers mentoring session. Photo credit: Kyle Kutuchief.  In a job market where competition for talent is so high, it […]

    Article · December 7, 2013 by