The Bottom-Up Revolution

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.

Urban planner Sara Joy Proppe discusses how churches can use placemaking to connect with their community, highlighting the importance of creating vibrant public spaces. She explores examples of churches engaging in small-scale projects, repurposing land for affordable housing, and practical steps for community engagement.

Armando Moritz-Chapelliquen is a passionate community organizer in Pennsylvania's Lehigh Valley. With extensive experience in providing reports and educational materials on community and economic development, he has collaborated with organizations such as the Association for Neighborhood and Housing Development, the U.S. Economic Development Administration, and the Local Initiative Support Corporation, where he currently serves. Beyond his professional commitments, Armando is a dedicated father and volunteers actively within his local school district. In this episode of The Bottom-Up Revolution, we delve into Moritz-Chapelliquen’s role as a grassroots community advocate. ADDITIONAL SHOW NOTES Armando Moritz-Chapelliquen (LinkedIn; Twitter/X.) Check out Easton Public Market and Plants and Coffee. Tiffany Owens Reed (Instagram). Do you know someone who would make for a great Bottom-Up Revolution guest? Let us know here!

Maddy Novich is a criminal justice professor at Manhattan College, a mom of three, and an Instagram influencer living in New York City—you might know her as @cargobikemomma. Novich fell in love with cargo biking during a trip with her family to Europe in 2019, and launched an Instagram account when she came back to just share her love of biking around the city and to help other people, especially other women, realize that this mobility option is available to them. ADDITIONAL SHOW NOTES Maddy Novich (Instagram). Check out Vinetaria, Lalibela, and Double Dutch Espresso. Tiffany Owens Reed (Instagram). Do you know someone who would make for a great Bottom-Up Revolution guest? Let us know here!

Deatra Kemp discusses closing the home ownership gap in minority communities, empowering African-American families through home ownership, and providing unique lending options for first-time homebuyers. She highlights the importance of community involvement, overcoming financial barriers, and tailored programs to achieve urban revitalization.