In a 21st century digital world, access and connectivity are critical to the economic and social vibrancy of small businesses, schools, neighborhoods, and cities.  Access means the availability of financial, intellectual, and technological resources and opportunities.  Connectivity means bringing together individuals and ideas –in person or virtually.

Working with and listening to Northside residents and organizations, the Buhl Foundation put forth a vision of an accessible, connected community through its One Northside Consensus Plan.  To bring the One Northside Plan to life and anchor it in the community, the Buhl Foundation needed a place to provide access to resources and connectivity to support problem-solving, learning and innovation.  CoLab18 is that place. 

In February 2017, the Buhl Foundation, Comcast, Faros Properties and Urban Innovation 21 announced an ambitious new partnership and committed resources and expertise to realize the One Northside vision of a connected, collaborative, and engaged community.  This past summer, Riverside Center for Innovation (RCI), the BNY Mellon Foundation and Innovation Works joined the group. Together, these partners have built CoLab18, a collaboration and innovation laboratory focused on the eighteen Northside Neighborhoods.