Seth Zeren, a neighborhood developer and founding member of Strong Towns, discusses the intricate dance of political support and community resistance in urban planning. He highlights the benefits of incremental development in places like Providence while navigating the tension between needed growth and rising property taxes. Zeren shares personal stories of community engagement and the emotional complexities tied to development. He emphasizes the need for advocacy and collaboration to create sustainable neighborhoods without succumbing to the pitfalls of gentrification.

Erik Lowe, founder of Reimagine Spokane, advocates for safer streets and enhanced transit options in Spokane. He discusses his $1 billion 'Spokane Reimagined' plan aimed at improving community connectivity over 20 years. The conversation reveals the importance of walkable neighborhoods and pedestrian-friendly spaces. Erik shares insights from personal experiences, the challenges of urban mobility, and the innovative AFTram project to boost connectivity. Community engagement and grassroots advocacy play key roles in shaping a better, more accessible urban landscape.

Seth Zeren, a neighborhood developer and founding member of Strong Towns, shares his journey from city planning to incremental development in Providence, Rhode Island. He discusses the stark divide between developers and communities, emphasizing the power of small-scale projects to revitalize urban spaces. Zeren elaborates on innovative financing models and the importance of personal accountability in bridging gaps between developers and residents. His insights into transforming historic buildings and fostering local relationships reveal a compassionate approach to tackling the housing crisis.

Erin Joyce is the mayor of Braintree, Massachusetts. She’s also a professional civil engineer, former chair of her local planning board, former PTO president, youth soccer coach, and mom to three boys. She’s joining host Tiffany Owens Reed today on The Bottom-Up Revolution to discuss what it’s like to build strong towns as an elected official, the challenges and opportunities she’s faced, and the importance of community engagement in local government. ADDITIONAL SHOW NOTES Erin Joyce (site). Local recommendations: Widowmaker Brewery in the Blue Hills. Foley's Ice Cream Shop. Thayer Birth Place, Historical Society. Tiffany Owens Reed (Instagram). Do you know someone who would make for a great Bottom-Up Revolution guest? Let us know here!

Ilana Preuss, founder of Recast City, discusses the impact of small-scale manufacturing in revitalizing downtown areas. They explore the importance of community engagement, urban revitalization, and envisioning the future of cities. The conversation highlights the role of supporting local makers and businesses to build a sustainable economy.

Danny Pearlstein is the policy and communications director at Riders Alliance, a nonprofit transit advocacy organization in New York City. With degrees in environmental studies and urban planning from Cornell, a degree in law from Cardozo and a history on the New York City Council, Pearlstein works to ensure every New Yorker has access to frequent, reliable, accessible and affordable public transit. Today, he joins host Tiffany Owens Reed to discuss congestion pricing, car dependency and public transit in the Big Apple. ADDITIONAL SHOW NOTES Rider’s Alliance (site). Tiffany Owens Reed (Instagram). Do you know someone who would make for a great Bottom-Up Revolution guest? Let us know here!

In this special episode for Member Week, Tiffany interviews Strong Towns Community Builder John Pattison. Pattison works with advocates in hundreds of communities as they start and lead local Strong Towns groups called Local Conversations. In the interview, they explore how these groups embody the bottom-up nature of the Strong Towns movement, some of the ways Local Conversations have successfully improved their cities, and how becoming a member supports the Local Conversations program. In addition to his work with Strong Towns, Pattison is the author of two books, most recently “Slow Church” (InterVarsity Press), which takes inspiration from Slow Food and the other Slow movements to help faith communities reimagine how they live life together in the neighborhood. He and his family live in Silverton, Oregon. ADDITIONAL SHOW NOTES Become a member today! Tiffany Owens Reed (Instagram). Do you know someone who would make for a great Bottom-Up Revolution guest? Let us know here!

In this special edition of The Bottom-Up Revolution, recorded last week at the 2024 National Gathering, we have a double interview with Susan Graham and Ally Smither. Graham and Smither are part of a movement in Houston, Texas, called Stop TxDOT I-45, which is working to prevent a massive highway expansion. Susan is a retired nurse who has lived in Houston for decades and who started the movement after hearing about the Texas Department of Transportation’s plans for her neighborhood. Ally is originally from London, Ontario, in Canada. A professional opera singer, she stumbled upon the world of transportation advocacy during COVID-19, as well as finding a new professional path in communications, community advocacy and (most recently) as chief of staff for Texas Senator-Elect Molly Cook. ADDITIONAL SHOW NOTES Stop TxDOT I-45 (site). Tiffany Owens Reed (Instagram). Do you know someone who would make for a great Bottom-Up Revolution guest? Let us know here!

Brian Boland, founder of Bridge Forward Cincinnati, discusses reclaiming urban highway land for community development. He explores challenges in reshaping infrastructure, advocating for community-centric projects, and the importance of grassroots efforts in urban revitalization.

Christian Grey, Executive Director of inCOMMON Community Development, shares insights on community engagement, empowering local residents for change, asset-based development, and empowering existing residents in neighborhood redevelopment. The podcast explores Omaha's welcoming atmosphere, engaging neighborhood events, economic empowerment efforts, and the significance of inclusivity and collaboration in shaping the future of neighborhoods.