The Bottom-Up Revolution

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.

Kat Vellos, an author and connection coach, explores the complexities of adult friendships and the impact of urban design on social connections. She shares insights on building community, emphasizing how our environments can either foster or hinder relationships. Kat discusses innovative strategies to combat loneliness, such as reimagining public spaces for spontaneous interaction and promoting local engagement. Through personal anecdotes and local initiatives, she inspires listeners to cultivate meaningful connections and enrich their communities.

Explore how Edmonton is tackling derelict properties through innovative solutions and a groundbreaking Derelict Tax Subclass. Ashley Salvador shares insights on promoting safer neighborhoods and the importance of accountability for property owners. Discover the role of local governance in community revitalization and how grassroots involvement leads to transformation. Learn about proactive initiatives that engage residents and foster sustainable practices in urban planning, encouraging a vibrant, safer community.

Jeral Poskey, the founder and CEO of Swyft Cities, discusses his groundbreaking approach to urban transportation. With a rich background at Google, he dives into how his company is tackling major city challenges like traffic jams and parking woes. The conversation explores innovative on-demand transport systems that prioritize user needs over traditional routes, while emphasizing the importance of integrating new technologies for sustainable urban development. Jeral's vision could redefine how cities navigate transportation and connectivity.

Alicia Pederson, a passionate advocate for courtyard urbanism, discusses its potential for transforming urban spaces into family-friendly environments. She highlights how mixed-use buildings around shared courtyards can enhance community living by providing both privacy and social interaction. Alicia also shares strategies for promoting this innovative development style, especially in underserved areas, and delves into the lessons learned from Chicago's housing initiatives. Tune in for insights on creating vibrant, sustainable neighborhoods!

Meet Burhan Azeem, a city councilor in Cambridge, Massachusetts. A graduate of MIT, he’s the youngest councilor in the city’s history and has a special focus on housing affordability and street safety. Burhan has successfully expanded zoning for affordable housing, removed parking minimums, and helped build bike lanes throughout the city. He also helped found a nonprofit that impacts housing policy on the state level. Today, he and Tiffany sit down to discuss how he got to this point and what he’s working on next. ADDITIONAL SHOW NOTES Local Recommendations: Café 1369 Kendall Rooftop Garden Greenline Bike Path Burhan Azeem (site) Tiffany Owens Reed (Instagram) Do you know someone who would make for a great Bottom-Up Revolution guest? Let us know here!   This podcast is made possible by Strong Towns members. Click here to learn more about membership, including member-exclusive perks.

What happens when a city’s design puts lives at risk—and someone decides to speak up? In this episode, you’ll meet Army Master Sgt. Ben Hultquist, one of the leaders of Strong Towns Fayetteville, a Local Conversation in North Carolina. After a string of preventable deaths, Ben testified in city hall. Now, that testimony is helping turn the conversation in Fayetteville toward people-first design and safer streets. ADDITIONAL SHOW NOTES Strong Towns Fayetteville (Facebook) Learn how to make your streets safer with the Crash Analysis Studio model. Norm Van Eeden Petersman (LinkedIn) Do you know someone who would make for a great The Bottom-Up Revolution guest? Let us know here!   This podcast is made possible by Strong Towns members. Click here to learn more about membership, including member-exclusive perks.