The Bottom-Up Revolution How Will Gardner Is Helping Build a Stronger South Coast
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Aug 28, 2025 Will Gardner, founder of South Coast Places For People and former creator of Alma del Mar Charter Schools, discusses pivotal community initiatives in Massachusetts. He shares insights on three working groups tackling parking reform, backyard cottages, and street safety. Will emphasizes the significance of local advocacy in urban design, reflecting on how thoughtful planning shapes community engagement. Additionally, he highlights the charm of Fairhaven and New Bedford, weaving personal stories into the push for more people-oriented public spaces.
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Let Passion Drive Projects
- Cultivate emergent leadership by giving people structure and resources, then let their passions drive projects.
- Fan the flames of interest instead of imposing top-down control to sustain community energy.
A Median Guitarist Recreated Joy
- Tiffany recounts spotting a guitarist busking on a scorching median, which made her day and highlighted spontaneous street life.
- She uses this to show how rare serendipity can still appear in car-centric places and why it matters.
Turn ADU Laws Into Real Projects
- For ADUs, connect homeowners with banks, contractors, and clear city contacts to streamline permitting.
- Host practical workshops to translate state law changes into achievable local projects.
