The Bottom-Up Revolution

Mary Coddington, founder of Twelve Inc. and a member of the Denver Planning Board, discusses her mission to improve affordable housing in Colorado. She highlights local initiatives like Denver's Neighborhood Planning Initiative and addresses challenges such as language barriers and community engagement. Mary shares insights on balancing new housing with displacement prevention, drawing connections between resilient site design and permaculture principles. She also emphasizes the importance of local involvement and views current disruptions as an opportunity for building stronger communities.

Linda Appel Lipsius, the executive director of Denver Urban Gardens, returns to discuss how permaculture principles can radically transform urban living. She explores the importance of community gardens in fostering social resilience and a greener city. Linda emphasizes the power of observation in urban planning and the necessity of integrating diverse voices. They also dissect concepts like composting as resource management and empowering communities to foster local solutions rather than waiting for top-down interventions.

Erick Aune, Director of the Santa Fe Metropolitan Planning Organization, shares insights on transforming transportation in his region. He discusses the radical shift from outdated speed and safety assumptions to policies that prioritize community needs. Erick emphasizes engaging residents in decision-making and the importance of rethinking traditional planning criteria. He also connects transportation reforms to housing affordability, illustrating how small changes can have big impacts. His strategic boldness aims to foster safer streets and revitalized communities.

Donna Boelen, a former city council member from Bloomington, Illinois, shares her inspiring journey from a concerned resident to a self-taught advocate focused on fiscal sustainability and infrastructure. She discusses the challenges of campaigning as an independent, emphasizing the importance of door-to-door outreach. Donna also highlights her dedication to constituent service and consensus building, plus practical tips for aspiring candidates, including learning municipal history and budgeting wisely. Her insights shine a light on making local governance more accessible and effective.

Judith Rognli, program director for Conserve Southwest Utah and leader of Strong Towns WashCo, explores living wisely in the desert of St. George. She tackles pressing issues like water scarcity and rapid growth while advocating for smart, sustainable growth. Judith shares practical tips for creating water-wise communities and emphasizes the importance of civic engagement. Her unique journey from social scientist to musician illuminates her passion for promoting local action and environmental stewardship.

Butch Roussel, founder of the 24-Hour Citizen Project, shares his journey of empowering communities through rapid, locally funded projects. He discusses how a leadership program sparked an innovative crowdfunding idea that addresses community challenges. Butch explains the dynamic 24-hour event format, highlighting citizen participation and collaboration with local governments. With over 37 projects funded, he showcases the impactful change even small grants can create, shifting residents from spectators to active contributors. Tune in for insights on community empowerment!

In this special episode of Bottom-Up Shorts, Norm is joined by John Pattison, Strong Towns' community builder and head of the Local Conversations program. They discuss what drives people to start one of these local advocacy groups, as well as the real costs and rewards of stepping into leadership. They also explore how mentorship, shared tools, and bottom-up collaboration knit single-issue advocates into a culture of lasting community change. ADDITIONAL SHOW NOTES Learn more about Local Conversations. Norm Van Eeden Petersman (LinkedIn) Do you know someone who would make for a great The Bottom-Up Revolution guest? Let us know here! Subscribe to The Bottom-Up Revolution on iTunes, Google Podcasts, Podbean or via RSS. ‍ This podcast is made possible by Strong Towns members. Click here to learn more about membership.

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.