The Bottom-Up Revolution

Jessica David, co-founder of Local Return and a Harvard Divinity School student, joins Josh Daley, also a co-founder and food policy advocate, to share their vision for community-driven wealth building in Rhode Island. They discuss empowering local entrepreneurs through innovative financing and education, tackling socioeconomic challenges, and the importance of cooperative models for addressing issues like housing affordability. The conversation highlights grassroots initiatives and the need for collaboration between residents and local government for vibrant community development.

Christine Corrado, a city councilmember in Brighton, New York, and founder of Brighton Safe Streets for All, discusses her mission to improve community safety and accessibility. She shares personal stories that sparked her advocacy for safer streets, emphasizing the need for grassroots engagement. The conversation dives into the balance between urban growth and environmental conservation, highlighting plans for enhancing pedestrian and bike access on Monroe Avenue. Through collaboration with local agencies, Christine aims to transform Brighton into a more vibrant and safe community for all.

Jack Duncan, a Professor of Architecture and Preservation at the College of Charleston, explores the revival of traditional urbanism and its role in fostering community connections. He emphasizes the importance of human-centered design and craftsmanship in creating meaningful urban spaces. The conversation also delves into the values of younger generations, who prioritize engagement over profit. Additionally, Duncan shares insights about Charleston's hidden gems, inviting listeners to appreciate the beauty of local culture and the resilience of community life.

Gioia Calabretta, a graphic design intern at Strong Towns and active member of Livable Lynchburg, shares her fresh perspective on community engagement. She discusses her enlightening experience at a walk audit, underscoring the need for collaboration in advocating for pedestrian-friendly environments. Gioia contrasts the walkable lifestyle of her college days with the realities of car-centric neighborhoods, urging for impactful local changes. Her journey emphasizes the power of community leadership and collective action in transforming urban spaces.

Will Gardner, founder of South Coast Places For People and former creator of Alma del Mar Charter Schools, discusses pivotal community initiatives in Massachusetts. He shares insights on three working groups tackling parking reform, backyard cottages, and street safety. Will emphasizes the significance of local advocacy in urban design, reflecting on how thoughtful planning shapes community engagement. Additionally, he highlights the charm of Fairhaven and New Bedford, weaving personal stories into the push for more people-oriented public spaces.

Jess and Dan Sollaccio, community leaders from Warrenton, Oregon, share their vision for revitalizing their town. Jess focuses on developing a vacant building into a vibrant community hub, while Dan brings insights into budget management for local projects. They discuss the importance of an asset-based approach to strengthen community ties and enhance engagement. The couple highlights the role of communal spaces in fostering social connections and supporting local economies, emphasizing the potential of revitalizing main streets to transform small towns.

Kelsey Huse, a safe streets advocate and graduate student at the City University of Memphis, dives into the pressing issues of urban safety in one of America's most dangerous cities. She discusses her grassroots efforts in analyzing car crash sites and launching advocacy coalitions to promote safer streets. Kelsey also shares insights on personal experiences with urban planning, the role of social media in raising awareness, and the community's push for improved pedestrian and bike infrastructure. Her dedication exemplifies the impact of local advocacy on urban design.

Eva López Chávez, a city council member in Salt Lake City, brings her rich background in local government to the forefront as she shares her journey of public service. She discusses her commitment to preserving housing affordability and empowering families in the city. The conversation dives into the significance of community engagement in urban development. Eva passionately advocates for safer, pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods while tackling economic challenges. Her inspiring vision emphasizes the importance of inclusive solutions that benefit all residents.

Ashley Thornton, founder of Waco Walks, focuses on enhancing walkability in Waco, Texas, inspired by her own experiences navigating the city on foot. She discusses the design flaws that make Waco challenging for pedestrians and shares how local walking initiatives foster community engagement. The conversation highlights the significant role that walkability plays in urban inclusivity and the challenges of advocating for pedestrian-friendly infrastructure. Listeners can also discover charming local spots to enjoy while exploring the city on foot.

Mark Hoppen, a former city manager and Strong Towns member, shares his insights on local governance and community leadership. He discusses the importance of community involvement in urban planning while balancing growth and local character. Mark highlights transformative projects like the Gig Harbor Boatshop that enhance public engagement and preserve history. He also emphasizes collaborative community efforts and the ideal traits for local leaders, blending progressive thinking with practical solutions for stronger communities.