We’re all pretty excited about this week's issue, because it will be Volume One’s first “theme” issue: Reinventing Our Streets.

With Eau Claire on the cusp of some major street reconstruction projects, and with progressive, “traffic calming” street designs gaining in acceptance and popularity (see this week’s “woonerf” approval), it’s time to consider some of the amazing street projects adopted by forward thinking communities the world over. As our publisher Nick Meyer writes, “Over the next couple of years, the city of Eau Claire has a significant opportunity to redefine the experience of driving, walking, and biking through our community.”

We’re not talking about outlandish road concepts. We’re talking about seeing what really works (for walkers, bikers, and drivers alike) in other cities and then picking and choosing some doable options for our very own streets. It’s about starting a community-wide discussion on how we want this place to look, feel, and actually work. Next week’s issue will include an intensive, 12-page feature discussing a whole truckload of street reinvention issues, and many of the magazine's regular segments will also be devoted to the theme. But it’s not just the magazine. We’re also developing an online counterpart featuring interactive maps and pictures of local streets. This will also be the premier place to chime in with your own thoughts and opinions.

We’ve never done this before, but there’s just so much to talk about – and the timing couldn’t be more crucial. Major street reconstruction is designed to last a long time, and in countless ways, these projects define who we are as a community. So take a look at Volume One Magazine and VolumeOne.org next week to see what’s possible.