The Bottom-Up Revolution

Varsha Gopal is an architect from Chennai, India. She is putting Strong Towns ideas into action by starting conversations about what makes places thrive — what makes them special, sustainable and prosperous. On this episode of Bottom-Up Shorts, she joins Norm to discuss two research projects she recently conducted in her city and what they taught her about thriving cities, urban design and community engagement. ADDITIONAL SHOW NOTES 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.

Maricela Sanchez is a city council member and anesthesiologist from Prosser, Washington. She has lived in major cities all over the U.S., including Los Angeles, San Francisco and New York City. In today’s episode, she joins Tiffany to discuss how her travels and profession molded her perspective on what makes a town safe and resilient. They also discuss Sanchez’s role as a councilor, where she focuses on creating safe, walkable neighborhoods and improving active transportation. ADDITIONAL SHOW NOTES Local Recommendations: Historic Mercer Building Princess Theatre Brewminatti Coffee Shop Tiffany Owens Reed (Instagram) Do you know someone who would make for a great The Bottom-Up Revolution guest? Let us know here!

Stanis Moody Roberts is a business owner from the Portland, Maine area. For the past year he has been organizing locals to oppose a highway expansion that would have claimed eight acres of his land. He joins Tiffany on today’s episode of The Bottom-Up Revolution to discuss this journey and the progress his community has made — including how they convinced their town council to rescind support for the project and delayed construction by several years. ADDITIONAL SHOW NOTES Local Recommendations: Mr. Tuna Bubba’s Sulky Lounge Smiling Hill Farm Tiffany Owens Reed (Instagram). Do you know someone who would make for a great The Bottom-Up Revolution guest? Let us know here!

Welcome to this episode of Bottom Up Shorts! Today, Norm is joined by Andrew and Anna Carley, the leaders of Strong Towns Grand Rapids, a Local Conversation in Michigan. They discuss the progress they’ve made in advocating for policy changes in their city and how they became one of the go-to groups that city officials turn to when they’re considering policy changes. ADDITIONAL SHOW NOTES Strong Towns Grand Rapids (site). Want to hear more from the Carleys? Hop on the Spring Local Motive Tour, where they’ll share their tactics for regional organizing and letter-writing campaigns. Norm Van Eeden Petersman (LinkedIn). Do you know someone who would make for a great The Bottom-Up Revolution guest? Let us know here!

Emily Hutcheson, a dedicated bike advocate and mom from San Antonio, Texas, shares her inspiring journey to improve local bike infrastructure. She highlights her initiatives, including a bike club and bike bus, which foster community engagement and promote cycling. Emily discusses the challenges of adapting biking culture in Texas, emphasizing the need for safer paths for families. By observing neighborhoods on bikes, she mentions how active transportation enhances children's connection to nature, making biking not just a mode of transport but a community joy.

Spencer Coyne, the mayor of Princeton, British Columbia, is passionate about community resilience and Strong Towns initiatives. He delves into how Princeton is revamping its zoning laws to better reflect modern needs, pushing for diverse housing and sustainable transportation options. Coyne also discusses the resourceful leadership required in smaller communities, emphasizing local collaboration. Finally, he shares a fascinating initiative that integrates tree planters into community life, fostering engagement and connection among residents.

Ellie Riggs, a passionate field organizer at Catawba Riverkeeper, and Ryan Carter, the organization's policy director, dive into the critical issue of stormwater management and its environmental ramifications. They highlight an upcoming stormwater management bill aimed at saving the Catawba-Wateree River basin. The duo also discusses the negative impacts of outdated parking regulations and the need for community-driven solutions. Their insights reveal the importance of grassroots advocacy in pushing for meaningful change and protecting local ecosystems.

Michael Bassili, a leader of Strong Towns Nanaimo, discusses his successful campaign to eliminate parking mandates in downtown Nanaimo. He highlights how community-driven efforts can reshape urban spaces to prioritize people over vehicles. The conversation delves into the challenges posed by outdated regulations and their impact on housing costs. Bassili shares innovative outreach strategies, including an AI-driven tool for community engagement, and emphasizes the importance of collective action in fostering sustainable urban development.

Matt Harder, founder of Civic Trust, discusses the transformative power of participatory budgeting. He shares how this innovative approach empowers citizens to influence local government spending. Harder outlines the three phases of participatory budgeting, highlighting both its benefits and challenges. Real-world examples, like a successful project in Atlanta's Candler Park, illustrate how community involvement can significantly enhance public spaces. The conversation also touches on the role of technology in making budgeting more inclusive and engaging.

Edward Erfurt, the Chief Technical Advisor for Strong Towns, shares his expertise on transformative community development. He discusses a powerful 4-step approach to public investment that emphasizes starting small and engaging local energy. Real-life examples from Sheboygan and Chisholm illustrate how communities can implement quick, impactful changes without costly renovations. From park upgrades to artistic initiatives, Erfurt shows how grassroots efforts can lead to meaningful transformation and foster community spirit.