Toledo Design Collective

05/10/2026

Happy Mothers Day to all celebrating today!

Today, and everyday, we’re proud to celebrate our very own mother of urbanism, Jane Jacobs, without whom our work and purpose would not be possible.

Written in 1961 as a challenge to the prevailing and often misguided minds in urban planning, her seminal work, The Death and Life of Great American Cities, remains as relevant today as it ever has been.

495 likes, 21 comments. "What Makes a Street Safe? | Jane Jacobs in Death and Life of Great American Cities (1/4)"

05/08/2026

05/05/2026

Toledo ... Just, WOW! You know how to show up and make it count. We are so thankful for the overwhelming support of our community leading up to and during our 25th Anniversary & Annual Reception last week! We're still reeling.

Special thanks to Councilman Sam Melden for sponsoring and delivering a thoughtful Resolution, and to all members of City Council for their support, individual impact stories, and kind words about TDC through the years. It was a heartening experience to stand with our founder and namesake, Bob Seyfang, to hear that history. Thank you to Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz for joining the celebration and for his endearing Proclamation commemorating TDC's 25 years of service on behalf of the City of Toledo. We're also thankful to Lucas County Auditor's Office Katie Moline for a generous acknowledgement of this milestone anniversary!

At the end of the day, it is the residents and partners we serve who give our work purpose and meaning. We are so thankful to our guest speakers, Rossana Hoelzle of Lake Erie West Regional Council, and Taylor Burciaga of Sofia Quintero Art & Cultural Center - who was also our host! - for delivering their vision and mission daily to drive our neighborhoods and our region forward. What a perfect location to celebrate in the Old South End's Broadway Corridor with delicious food and drinks!

Finally, and most importantly, we thank all of YOU who attended, who celebrated, who shared memories and moments of gratitude, who donated to continue to support our community work, and who show up to roll up your sleeves in this community every day, in the many ways there are to drive meaningful change in, with, and for Toledo.

TDC IS HERE because of you, and we are thankful.

City Council Photos Voigt
Event Photography by Tranelli
Broadway Photos Mohler-Loomas

05/02/2026

The City of Toledo is inviting young people to turn their focus toward creativity and storytelling with “Shoot This Not That – Tol: Youth Behind the Lens,” a one-week summer workshop designed to empower participants through photography and videography.

The workshop will take place June 8 through June 12 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. Open to Toledo residents ages 14 to 24, the program encourages participants to use a camera, not conflict, to share their experiences and speak out against gun violence.

Participants will receive hands-on training in photography and videography while developing skills to tell meaningful stories that reflect their lives and communities. The program also offers a creative outlet, career-building experience in media arts, and the opportunity to showcase their work in a public exhibit.

Selected participants will receive a stipend and lunch each day of the workshop.

The program is designed for those who are impacted by or passionate about ending gun violence, are available to attend all five days, and are ready to fully commit to the experience, including participating in an interview process. Interview dates will be announced soon.

Space is limited to 10 to 12 participants.

Interested applicants can apply through May 20 at the following link: https://toledo.oh.gov/not-that

North End Community Committee Cherry Legacy Neighbors The Junction Coalition Friendly Center Councilwoman Vanice S. Williams The Art Tatum Zone

05/01/2026

We can’t say enough about Leadership Toledo and TAM - Toledo Aerial Media - for their support and for taking the time to dive into our story as we prepared to celebrate our 25th anniversary this year. As part of a suite a materials, the incredibly talented team at TAM created a video to tell our story by demonstrating the impact on and voice of our partners who make it possible. Thank you to The Junction Coalition, LISC Toledo, our Board, and Tracey Hanes and David Ross for lending their time and expertise to make so much possible in and with the people of this great city.

It was an honor to debut this wonderful story at our event last night! Enjoy and learn more at www.ToledoDesignCollective.org

04/29/2026

Spring has sprung in Toledo and you might see some new blooms around town! As TDC celebrates its 25th Anniversary this year, kicking off with our Annual Meeting April 30th, we’re rolling out a history of past projects throughout the city! Stay tuned to our socials for the full story on each project, partner, and place throughout the year. If you see one in the wild, be sure to snap and share !!

04/28/2026

What is a planning grant and how can it help Toledo small businesses?

Our Vibrancy Initiative planning grant, provides financial support to small businesses and property owners seeking to prepare ground-floor commercial spaces for activation.

If you're a small business owner looking to expand, or a property owner of a commercial space that has potential, pre-apply for the planning grant by May 1 for access to the full application due May 8. Apply now! https://toledo.oh.gov/business/how-to-do-business-in-the-city/incentive-programs/vibrancy/planning-grant

04/24/2026

Toledo Public Schools has taken great care of the Harvard Castle. We’re glad to see it being considered for new uses and also support Council Member Martinez’s call to continue the moratorium on demolitions of historic structures. Thanks WTOL 11 for asking TDC Studio Director Ryan A. Bunch to join the conversation.

Although TPS says there are no plans to demolish school buildings identified for closure, a city councilman is pushing for a demolition moratorium extension.