The Bottom-Up Revolution

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!

Jacob Hyman is a civil-site engineer in training and the leader of Strong Towns Steubenville, a Local Conversation in Ohio. Originally from Florida, he moved to Steubenville after serving in the Air Force and started the city's Local Conversation two years later. He works for Crabtree Group, Inc., which provides site engineering services for traditional neighborhood developments and infill development across the country and globe. Today, Hyman joins host Tiffany Owens Reed on The Bottom-Up Revolution to discuss the challenges of revitalizing a Rust Belt city, how Strong Towns Steubenville is tackling those challenges, and how a combination of creativity, community and faith could be exactly what Steubenville — and cities like it — need to thrive. ADDITIONAL SHOW NOTES Local recommendations: Steubenville Nutcracker Village. Leonardo's Coffeehouse & Renaissance Coffee Roasting Co. Spyridon Studios. Chesterton & Co. Cigars. Yorgo's Gyros & Potatoes. 4th Street Standard. Martonis Pizza. Tiffany Owens Reed (Instagram). Do you know someone who would make for a great The Bottom-Up Revolution guest? Let us know here!

Tiffany Elder, a multi-talented licensed general contractor, realtor, and real estate developer from Durham, North Carolina, shares her journey into real estate. She discusses the challenges of the Raleigh-Durham housing crisis, emphasizing the importance of affordable housing and community-driven projects. Tiffany highlights the benefits of incremental development and how local zoning innovations are paving the way for positive change. Listeners will be inspired by her insights on transforming neighborhoods without displacing residents, all while enjoying Durham's vibrant culture.

Jennifer Krouse, a real estate strategist and CEO of Liberty House Plans, discusses the nuances of urban productivity. She emphasizes the importance of social capital and thoughtful municipal investments for community well-being. The conversation highlights how cities function as interconnected ecosystems, advocating for a shift from mere efficiency to creating meaningful, value-centered outcomes. Krouse also shares insights on local training sessions for advocates aiming to enhance transparency and communication with governments, underscoring the need for sustainable, data-driven practices.

Paloma Delgadillo, a council member from Broomfield, Colorado, brings her expertise in economics and analytics to the discussion. She dives into her initiatives for parking reform, aimed at making her city more resilient and enhancing land use. Delgadillo reflects on her transition from Chicago's urban landscape to suburban governance, stressing the significance of local civic engagement. She also addresses the challenges local officials face in advocating for meaningful policy changes and the importance of community involvement in shaping livable environments.

Alec Davis, a former engineer and consultant turned urban advocate, shares his journey from corporate life to founding Momentum Des Moines. He discusses efforts to improve accessibility in the city by addressing car dependency and advocating for local zoning reforms. Davis highlights the importance of grassroots movements in urban planning and reflects on the complexity of public transit challenges. Additionally, he explores Des Moines' vibrant culture, including its local cuisine and biking trails, showcasing the community's potential for positive change.

Jennifer Krouse, a real estate strategist and CEO of Liberty House Plans, shares her insights on making incremental development easier and less risky. She discusses the concept of placecraft, emphasizing the need for human-centered approaches to community design. Krouse highlights the importance of aesthetics in urban spaces and the role of pre-approved plans in addressing housing challenges. She also reflects on her journey from aspiring architect to advocate for developers, showcasing how small changes can create vibrant, community-friendly environments.