The Bottom-Up Revolution Bottom-Up Shorts: How This 4-Step Approach Can Transform Your Community
Jan 14, 2025
Edward Erfurt, the Chief Technical Advisor for Strong Towns, shares his expertise on transformative community development. He discusses a powerful 4-step approach to public investment that emphasizes starting small and engaging local energy. Real-life examples from Sheboygan and Chisholm illustrate how communities can implement quick, impactful changes without costly renovations. From park upgrades to artistic initiatives, Erfurt shows how grassroots efforts can lead to meaningful transformation and foster community spirit.
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Sheboygan Parklet Grant
- Sheboygan, Wisconsin, received a $50,000 grant to improve a parklet.
- Hiring a consultant to redesign it cost $150,000, a missed opportunity for incremental improvement.
Chisholm Park Revitalization
- Chisholm, Minnesota, faced a similar challenge with a park needing revitalization.
- Instead of costly redesigns, they focused on small, achievable improvements like sanding benches and planting donated hostas.
The Strong Towns Approach
- Observe community struggles, identify the next smallest improvement, and act quickly.
- Repeat this process, allowing small actions to build momentum and empower local engagement.