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 parks and public spaces is also an investment in health and stronger, more resilient communities. We applaud Representative McIver for advancing legislation to help communities in New Jersey and across the country reimagine and revitalize the places where people gather, connect, and build shared futures.”
“Informal gathering places are increasingly important for social interaction and community conversation, especially in a world where participation in formal meetings is often limited and unrepresentative,” said Doug Linkhart, President of National Civic League.
The RESTORE Third Spaces Act would:
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Establish a $200 million federal pilot grant program within the Department of Commerce to support the planning, renovation, and development of third spaces that strengthen community life, reduce social isolation, and grow local economies.
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Prioritize equity and historical justice by requiring that at least 60 percent of grant funding be awarded to projects serving low-income and underserved communities.
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Require applicants to engage residents in the design process, preserve local culture and history, and ensure projects benefit existing community members without worsening historic inequities.
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Ensure funded spaces remain free or low-cost and broadly accessible to the public, especially for young people, families, and small businesses.
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Support local economic resilience by fostering entrepreneurship, shared-use infrastructure, and community wealth-building through inclusive social hubs.
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Measure outcomes, including attendance, affordability, business creation, economic impact, social connection, and reductions in social isolation, while requiring a full report to Congress on the program’s effectiveness and future expansion.
This bill is endorsed by: the National Civic League, Project for Public Spaces, the Local Initiatives Support Corporation, Percent for Place, the American Library Association, and Trust for Public Land.
Full text of the RESTORE Third Spaces Act can be found here.
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