McIver Works to Bring Communities Equitable Third Spaces with New Bill
Skip to content Close Home About Meet LaMonica Committees And Caucuses Our District Votes and Legislation Contact Email Me Newsletter Subscribe Office Locations Request An Appearance Media Press Releases In the News Press Kit Issues Education Environment Healthcare Housing LGBTQ+ Rights Reproductive Justice Small Business Transportation and Infrastructure Voting Rights Services Help With A Federal Agency Congressional Art Competition Commendations And Greetings Appropriations Requests Flags Grant Applications Internships Military Academy Nominations Congressional App Challenge Tours And Tickets Resources Close Mobile Site Search SEARCH Congresswoman LaMonica McIver About Meet LaMonica Committees And Caucuses Our District Votes and Legislation Contact Email Me Newsletter Subscribe Office Locations Request An Appearance Media Press Releases In the News Press Kit Issues Education Environment Healthcare Housing LGBTQ+ Rights Reproductive Justice Small Business Transportation and Infrastructure Voting Rights Services Help With A Federal Agency Congressional Art Competition Commendations And Greetings Appropriations Requests Flags Grant Applications Internships Military Academy Nominations Congressional App Challenge Tours And Tickets Resources Modal Search Button Mobile Site Search Submit Search MENU Facebook Logo Twitter Logo BlueSky Logo Youtube Logo Instagram Logo Home Media Press Releases May 26, 2026 McIver Works to Bring Communities Equitable Third Spaces with New Bill WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman LaMonica McIver (NJ-10) introduced the RESTORE Third Spaces Act, a bill that would establish a $200 million federal pilot grant program to rebuild and improve public third spaces—public places outside home and work. Third spaces, such as parks, libraries, and community centers, are essential for building community and supporting local economies. Due to widespread disinvestment and gentrification, the loss of accessible third spaces for young people has also contributed to the rise in “teen takeovers” and other disruptive gatherings happening across the country. Young people are being blamed without considering an important part of the issue: many communities do not have safe, affordable, and welcoming places for youth to gather, socialize, and build connections. This bill would rebuild the social and economic infrastructure needed to help communities thrive . “None of us should exist in isolation—being able to gather together is foundational to every community,” said McIver. “Without access to third spaces, low-income neighborhoods, communities of color, and urban towns miss out on a stronger economy and democracy. NJ-10 needs spaces where seniors can celebrate holidays, advocates can organize on community matters, and kids can just have a safe place to hang out. That is why I am introducing this bill—to give communities the chance to enter together as neighbors and become a village.” “Percent for Place is proud to support Congresswoman McIver's bold legislation to invest in American neighborhoods. Third spaces, like trails, parks, playgrounds, libraries, main streets, and community centers, are vital pieces of civic infrastructure that help make thriving, livable communities. Ensuring that these third places are vibrant, well resourced, and capable of meeting the evolving needs of the residents--who are the heart of our cities and towns--is critical to fostering positive engagements between neighbors, breaking down social barriers between groups that feel isolated, and restoring civic pride in ourselves and our communities across the nation,” said Robert Mayer, co-chair of Percent for Place and Director of Policy and Advocacy at KABOOM! “LISC applauds Representative McIver for introducing the “RESTORE” Third Spaces Act of 2026,” said Matt Josephs, Senior Vice President for Policy, Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC). “ Investing in community assets such as parks, main streets, athletic facilities, and community centers is critical to building economically resilient neighborhoods and towns. These community resources foster small business development, employment opportunities, and social connection, creating the conditions for residents to thrive in urban and rural communities alike.” “Americans come together in libraries: for civic meetings, book clubs, knitting circles, afterschool programs, and more,” said Sam Helmick, President of the American Library Association. “As vital third spaces, libraries help combat loneliness and build community. But today, 70% of public libraries have a backlog of deferred maintenance and repairs – it’s time to invest in this essential community infrastructure.” “Across the communities where Project for Public Spaces has worked for fifty years, we've seen firsthand how disinvestment can strip neighborhoods of the gathering places that once held them together,” said Nate Storring, Co-Executive Director of Project for Public Spaces. “The RESTORE Third Spaces Act a
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Skip to content Close Home About Meet LaMonica Committees And Caucuses Our District Votes and Legislation Contact Email Me Newsletter Subscribe Office Locations Request An Appearance Media Press Releases In the News Press Kit Issues Education Environment Healthcare Housing LGBTQ+ Rights Reproductive Justice Small Business Transportation and Infrastructure Voting Rights Services Help With A Federal Agency Congressional Art Competition Commendations And Greetings Appropriations Requests Flags Grant Applications Internships Military Academy Nominations Congressional App Challenge Tours And Tickets Resources Close Mobile Site Search SEARCH Congresswoman LaMonica McIver About Meet LaMonica Committees And Caucuses Our District Votes and Legislation Contact Email Me Newsletter Subscribe Office Locations Request An Appearance Media Press Releases In the News Press Kit Issues Education Environment Healthcare Housing LGBTQ+ Rights Reproductive Justice Small Business Transportation and Infrastructure Voting Rights Services Help With A Federal Agency Congressional Art Competition Commendations And Greetings Appropriations Requests Flags Grant Applications Internships Military Academy Nominations Congressional App Challenge Tours And Tickets Resources Modal Search Button Mobile Site Search Submit Search MENU Facebook Logo Twitter Logo BlueSky Logo Youtube Logo Instagram Logo Home Media Press Releases May 26, 2026 McIver Works to Bring Communities Equitable Third Spaces with New Bill WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman LaMonica McIver (NJ-10) introduced the RESTORE Third Spaces Act, a bill that would establish a $200 million federal pilot grant program to rebuild and improve public third spaces—public places outside home and work. Third spaces, such as parks, libraries, and community centers, are essential for building community and supporting local economies. Due to widespread disinvestment and gentrification, the loss of accessible third spaces for young people has also contributed to the rise in “teen takeovers” and other disruptive gatherings happening across the country. Young people are being blamed without considering an important part of the issue: many communities do not have safe, affordable, and welcoming places for youth to gather, socialize, and build connections. This bill would rebuild the social and economic infrastructure needed to help communities thrive . “None of us should exist in isolation—being able to gather together is foundational to every community,” said McIver. “Without access to third spaces, low-income neighborhoods, communities of color, and urban towns miss out on a stronger economy and democracy. NJ-10 needs spaces where seniors can celebrate holidays, advocates can organize on community matters, and kids can just have a safe place to hang out. That is why I am introducing this bill—to give communities the chance to enter together as neighbors and become a village.” “LISC applauds Representative McIver for introducing the “RESTORE” Third Spaces Act of 2026,” said Matt Josephs, Senior Vice President for Policy, Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC). “ Investing in community assets such as parks, main streets, athletic facilities, and community centers is critical to building economically resilient neighborhoods and towns. These community resources foster small business development, employment opportunities, and social connection, creating the conditions for residents to thrive in urban and rural communities alike.” “Americans come together in libraries: for civic meetings, book clubs, knitting circles, afterschool programs, and more,” said Sam Helmick, President of the American Library Association. “As vital third spaces, libraries help combat loneliness and build community. But today, 70% of public libraries have a backlog of deferred maintenance and repairs – it’s time to invest in this essential community infrastructure.” “Across the communities where Project for Public Spaces has worked for fifty years, we've seen firsthand how disinvestment can strip neighborhoods of the gathering places that once held them together,” said Nate Storring, Co-Executive Director of Project for Public Spaces. “The RESTORE Third Spaces Act answers this crisis by investing in the community-led public places we know can rebuild social connection and help neighborhoods reclaim their civic life.” “Parks, trails, and community schoolyards are critical ‘third spaces’ that strengthen the fabric of communities. At a time when social isolation and disconnection are on the rise nationwide, parks and public spaces play an essential role in fostering connection, civic trust, and economic vitality. Recent Trust for Public Land research finds that every $1 invested in parks and recreation delivers, on average, at least $3 in economic benefits each year,” said Bianca Clarke, Associate Vice President, Strategic Leadership Team at Trust for Public Land. “The RESTORE Third Spaces Act recognizes that investing in
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