AndAccess

Could the future of retail be right next door? and Max Pastore talk about Accessory Commercial Units (ACUs) and their opportunity to scale affordable spaces that let entrepreneurs operate right in their neighborhoods. Cities like Pomona, California, are leading the way by rewriting zoning codes to make ACUs a reality. Their success proves that through smart planning and community conversations, we can build more vibrant, resilient, and equitable neighborhoods.

➡️ Check out the article in the ’s December edition of Zoning Practice in the link in our bio.

If you’re less than 150 miles away from College Park, Maryland, then your chance to learn about real small biz resilience strategies is just a train or car ride away! 🚆🚗

&Access Founder, , will speak at the SBAN Conference in College Park, MD, Nov 12-14. Besides connecting with leaders like Bobby, you’ll also get:

🔥 Direct tools to fight market disruption.

🔥 Opportunity to network with leaders from YOUR region.

Easy to get to, impossible to miss the value. Permanent Early-Bird rates are still available. For questions or to register please visit antidisplacement.org/2025-sban-conference or .

Are you ready to strengthen your small business and community? Well the AndAccess team is fired up and ready to go! We will join small business owners at the Small Business Anti-Displacement Network Conference from November 12-14. One reason to come is the chance to meet with leaders and peers to share strategies for success in today’s economic climate. Plus, the agenda covers everything from new funding sources and strategic messaging to working with policymakers and implementing community ownership models. On top of that, you can join special mobile workshops hosted by local D.C. organizations!

Don’t wait—early-bird registration ends October 15 (that’s in exactly one month y’all). Visit to register and for more information.

As folks arrive and partake in revelry here in New Orleans for Essence Festival, we at &Access are grateful to be on the ground, deeply engaged with the Lower Ninth Ward community. Our focus goes beyond the weekend’s celebrations; we’re dedicated to building sustainable solutions that truly benefit residents.

Since October 2024, &Access has been working closely with NORA and the Claiborne Avenue community. Through extensive surveys, focus groups, and neighborhood tours, we’ve had countless conversations with residents to understand what a grocery store in their neighborhood could look like. We’re now proud to share the results of this collaborative study, which highlights the critical need for a full-service grocery store and other essential retail options. This isn’t just about filling shelves; it’s about fostering economic opportunity and ensuring residents have access to vital resources right in their neighborhood.

Pride is more than a parade—it’s a powerful force for local economies! 🏳️‍🌈 After our founder attended WorldPride and saw 2-3 million people celebrate, it was clear: this energy can be a game-changer for small businesses. But it doesn’t happen by accident.

How can cities ensure that local shops, cafes, and artists benefit from the crowds? The answer lies in smart planning and collaboration between city officials and Pride organizers. By thinking ahead, we can help our communities thrive. Check out Bobby’s takeaways and yours below in our comments.

Alright y’all, get ready for a social media roll call. Right before Social Media Day, we’re doing a fun intro (and re-intro) to the awesome folks who make up AndAccess. We’ll also share some of their favorite hangouts.

We truly believe that when we’re to what matters most – like art, our communities, or in Aaron’s case, churros – our lives become so much richer. So, take a look at the team, and don’t hesitate to slide into our DMs if you want to chat about how we can support your vision for .

Tomorrow, May 23rd, is the FINAL DEADLINE for the Rooted and Rising Scholarship!

At , in partnership with the , we believe in the power of the next generation. We know it’s absolutely vital to invest in the future leaders who will envision and build stronger, more vibrant neighborhoods, towns, and communities for everyone.

This isn’t just a scholarship; it’s an opportunity to shape the world. Applicants will be notified of their status via email by Friday, June 6th, 2025.

Huge congratulations to our partner, the City of Danville! They’ve won the American Planning Association’s Community Award for Excellence in Sustainability for their initiative, PLAN Danville | A Comprehensive Guide to the Future. And thanks to SmithGroup for including us on the project team!

This award celebrates the incredible collaboration of residents, city staff, and community ambassadors in developing a truly representative and forward-thinking plan for Danville.

As Renee Burton, Danville’s Division Director of Planning, stated, this award recognizes the dedication to ensuring the Comprehensive Plan reflects everyone’s needs as they shape the future of their community and how they engage with it.
We applaud Danville’s vision for a sustainable and inclusive future and hope this inspiring work serves as a model for other cities and towns. Cheers to Danville!

Exciting things are happening in MidTown Cleveland’s Hough neighborhood! What began as a powerful community vision is now blossoming into a vibrant cultural district spanning three key nodes at E 55th, E 66th, and E 75th Streets. Our role at AndAccess is to focus on the retail and commercial landscape, working closely with businesses and entrepreneurs to identify what will help local businesses thrive and to strategically plan the district’s retail spaces.
We’re also thrilled to collaborate with an exceptional team led by Rhodes Heritage Group, , Third Space Action Lab, and, most importantly, the passionate residents of Hough who will guide this journey.
With support from The Cleveland Foundation, we’re committed to creating a lasting legacy where the rich are known and represented, culture is embedded and experienced, and economic empowerment for entrepreneurs, artists, and families is a true measure of success.

Thrilled to partner with the APA’s Planning in the Black Community Division (PBCD) to launch the Rooted & Rising Award. We’re empowering future urban planning leaders from select universities to shape communities nationwide. For more information, please email [email protected] for more information.

What’s your favorite city and why is it ? In the early hours of 2025, New Orleans was struck by tragedy on one of the most famous streets in the world. As we head into hosting the Super Bowl, , shares his heartbreak and commitment to his first favorite city.