The Bottom-Up Revolution Brandi Thompson: Driving Change Through Civic Empowerment
Jul 10, 2025
Brandi Thompson, flight nurse and co-founder of Strong Towns ABQ, shares her journey through diverse roles, from a rattlesnake wrangler to community activist. She discusses successful strategies advocating for zoning reform and pushing back against highway expansions in Albuquerque. The conversation touches on the effects of isolation in rural areas, the importance of historical context in civic engagement, and how grassroots movements can reshape urban planning. Brandi inspires listeners to realize their individual potential for community change.
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ER Shows Community's Hidden Struggles
- Emergency rooms reveal deep social issues like isolation, mental health crises, and chronic health problems.
- All community members, regardless of status, share vulnerabilities that relate to urban design and social structure.
Built Environment Fuels Isolation
- Poor urban design contributes to community isolation and lack of connection.
- The built environment directly impacts social interaction and local culture.
Unexpected Strong Towns Meetup Surge
- Brandi invited three people for a meeting to start a local Strong Towns group and 73 showed up unexpectedly.
- The turnout included city councilors and advocates, showing a strong local interest and energy for change.
