The Bottom-Up Revolution

Jake Loftis, a passionate pastor and leader of Strong Towns Blair, shares his insights on combating social isolation through community engagement. He discusses how the built environment influences loneliness and how local newspapers can drive connections. Loftis emphasizes the importance of infrastructure improvements, like safe school crosswalks, to create vibrant public spaces. Through his writings, he inspires local advocacy and encourages residents to contribute to fostering community spirit and addressing social issues.

In this episode of The Bottom-Up Revolution, host Tiffany Owens Reed is joined by Chloe Groome and Aaron Feldman, co-leads of the Local Conversation group Strong Towns Chicago. They discuss the initiatives that Strong Towns Chicago is working on, including legalizing fourplexes throughout the city and getting city officials involved in tactical urbanism. They also talk about the challenges the group faces and their strategies for overcoming those difficulties, including building a coalition with other advocacy groups. ADDITIONAL SHOW NOTES Local recommendations: The winter Christkindlmarket Summer streetfests. Four Moon Tavern. Live music concerts. Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria. Strong Towns Chicago (Instagram). Tiffany Owens Reed (Instagram). Do you know someone who would make for a great The Bottom-Up Revolution guest? Let us know here!

In this episode of Bottom-Up Shorts, host Norm Van Eeden Petersman is joined by Joshua Hopkins, the newly elected mayor of Chugwater, Wyoming. They discuss Hopkins’ path to becoming mayor and how he created a rodeo ring that provides a third place for his community and supports local businesses and walkability. ADDITIONAL SHOW NOTES Tri-County Mercantile. Read more from Strong Towns about Chugwater. Norm Van Eeden Petersman (LinkedIn). Do you know someone who would make for a great The Bottom-Up Revolution guest? Let us know here!

Sara Studdard, a community engagement expert and partner at City Thread, discusses the importance of diverse transportation options like walking, biking, and public transit in creating vibrant urban communities. She shares insights on how effective communication strategies can drive grassroots advocacy and enhance community collaboration with local governments. Studdard also highlights the exciting developments in Providence, Rhode Island, aiming for 45 miles of new bike and pedestrian infrastructure, showcasing how community involvement is key to transforming urban mobility.

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.