The Bottom-Up Revolution

Sully Israel, the leader of Strong Towns Santa Barbara, shares insights on transforming urban spaces into pedestrian-friendly areas. He discusses how the pandemic allowed Santa Barbara to close a street to cars, creating a vibrant atmosphere for diners and cyclists. Sully highlights the importance of balancing urban safety and accessibility, and how community engagement is essential for sustaining these changes. His grassroots advocacy emphasizes the power residents have in shaping their local environment for the better.

Ken Kunka, a consultant and former building and permitting manager, shares his expertise in small-scale development aimed at building stronger communities. He discusses the significance of infill projects and the challenges faced by underutilized lots. Collaboration is key, as he emphasizes the need for teamwork among developers and local authorities to enhance housing accessibility. Kunka also highlights the importance of transforming urban development through better communication and ongoing education in local governance, paving the way for innovative community growth.

Jaime Izurieta, an architect and founder of Storefront Mastery, shares insights on creating community-focused designs. He emphasizes the importance of transforming downtowns into experiential hubs rather than just physical spaces. With a keen eye on storytelling and emotional engagement, he critiques conventional urban design strategies. Highlights also include advocating for equitable investments in community initiatives, fostering local pride, and the power of grassroots movements in revitalizing storefronts. The conversation inspires a new narrative for local businesses and urban spaces.

In a captivating discussion, Julie Emery, a leader in Strong Milwaukee, shares insights on building community through bus benches. She elaborates on the program's origin and the collaborative spirit driving it. Listeners learn about the challenges of maintenance and vandalism, and how adaptive strategies foster local engagement. Julie also emphasizes the role of public art in beautifying neighborhoods, enhancing community ownership, and instilling pride. This grassroots initiative proves that small actions can lead to significant improvements in local mobility and social connections.

Katy Clagett, a commercial real estate appraiser and urban explorer, shares her passion for reclaiming overlooked spaces. She discusses her innovative 'Flock Party' project that enlisted sheep and goats to revitalize a neglected alley, bringing neighbors together and showcasing the power of community engagement. Katy emphasizes how beautifully designed environments can foster interpersonal connections and highlights the joy that local initiatives can bring to urban life. Her insights inspire listeners to see potential in their own communities.

Discover how a group of determined friends transformed their community with just $6 by installing bike racks in Poway, California. Uncover the power of grassroots initiatives and how personal passions can lead to significant change. Explore practical ideas for enhancing bike accessibility and the importance of collaborative efforts in community building. Hear inspiring stories that show how simple initiatives can greatly improve mobility and environmental wellness in our neighborhoods.

This Member Week, we’re excited to introduce you to Bottom-Up Shorts, a new collection of 10-minute episodes that we're adding to The Bottom-Up Revolution feed. Each week, Member Advocate Norm Van Eeden Petersman will talk with inspiring guests who are taking action in their community. This week, he’s joined by Manav Sharma, one of the leaders of Strong Towns Vancouver, a Local Conversations group. Sharma and his group were inspired to make their community stronger through the tactical deployment of stickers. Here’s how they’re doing it. ADDITIONAL SHOW NOTES Become a member today! Strong Towns Vancouver sticker campaign coverage, pictures and video. Resources for creating safe and productive streets. Norm Van Eeden Petersman (LinkedIn). Do you know someone who would make for a great The Bottom-Up Revolution guest? Let us know here!

Rik Adamski is the founder and president of Ash+Lime, a planning firm that strives to help cities and neighborhoods create thriving places by drawing on the wisdom of the past. Originally from Chicago, Adamski consulted for several of the most prominent planning organizations in the U.S. before moving to Texas and embracing a more nimble, actionable and participatory approach to developing communities. In this episode of The Bottom-Up Revolution, Adamski joins host Tiffany Owens Reed to discuss his approach to urban planning, the challenges of implementing a new planning approach in cities, and the importance of community engagement and incrementalism. ADDITIONAL SHOW NOTES Local recommendations: Ten Bells Tavern (reopening soon). Texas Theatre. Jefferson Boulevard. Tyler Station. Stockyards District in Fort Worth. Ash+Lime (website). A Better Brainerd report. Tiffany Owens Reed (Instagram). Do you know someone who would make for a great The Bottom-Up Revolution guest? Let us know here!

Norm Van Eeden Petersman is the director of membership and development at Strong Towns. He regularly writes for Strong Towns on topics including housing, transportation and community building. He also co-leads his area’s Local Conversation, Deltans for People-Oriented Places. In this episode, Petersman joins host Tiffany Owens Reed to discuss his work with Strong Towns and the importance of building community in your place. They also share an exciting update about the future of The Bottom-Up Revolution. ADDITIONAL SHOW NOTES Local Recommendations: Dunbar Lumber.. Nerd Feeder. Localz Urban Cafe. My Original Danish Pastry Baker. Tiffany Owens Reed (Instagram). Do you know someone who would make for a great The Bottom-Up Revolution guest? Let us know here!

Yamini Karandikar is the leader of Strong Towns San Antonio, a Local Conversation in Texas that advocates for safer streets and alternative transportation. Among other efforts, she successfully nominated an intersection in her city for review in the Strong Towns Crash Analysis Studio and is co-hosting a Local-Motive session on improving street safety. Professionally, she works in process improvement strategy within the electric and gas industry. In this episode of The Bottom-Up Revolution, Karandikar talks with host Tiffany Owens Reed about her advocacy journey, what it’s like to conduct a Crash Analysis Studio, and how her community is changing for the better. If you want more information about Karandikar’s experience with the Crash Analysis Studio and how it’s transforming her community, join her Local-Motive session on October 24 at noon CDT: “From Crash to Community Empowerment: How Addressing a Car Crash Helped Save and Change Lives.” ADDITIONAL SHOW NOTES Local recommendations: The Friendly Spot. The Station Café. Tiffany Owens Reed (Instagram). Do you know someone who would make for a great The Bottom-Up Revolution guest? Let us know here!