The Bottom-Up Revolution

Judith Rognli, program director for Conserve Southwest Utah and leader of Strong Towns WashCo, explores living wisely in the desert of St. George. She tackles pressing issues like water scarcity and rapid growth while advocating for smart, sustainable growth. Judith shares practical tips for creating water-wise communities and emphasizes the importance of civic engagement. Her unique journey from social scientist to musician illuminates her passion for promoting local action and environmental stewardship.

Butch Roussel, founder of the 24-Hour Citizen Project, shares his journey of empowering communities through rapid, locally funded projects. He discusses how a leadership program sparked an innovative crowdfunding idea that addresses community challenges. Butch explains the dynamic 24-hour event format, highlighting citizen participation and collaboration with local governments. With over 37 projects funded, he showcases the impactful change even small grants can create, shifting residents from spectators to active contributors. Tune in for insights on community empowerment!

In this special episode of Bottom-Up Shorts, Norm is joined by John Pattison, Strong Towns' community builder and head of the Local Conversations program. They discuss what drives people to start one of these local advocacy groups, as well as the real costs and rewards of stepping into leadership. They also explore how mentorship, shared tools, and bottom-up collaboration knit single-issue advocates into a culture of lasting community change. ADDITIONAL SHOW NOTES Learn more about Local Conversations. 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. ‍ This podcast is made possible by Strong Towns members. Click here to learn more about membership.

Jessica David, co-founder of Local Return and a Harvard Divinity School student, joins Josh Daley, also a co-founder and food policy advocate, to share their vision for community-driven wealth building in Rhode Island. They discuss empowering local entrepreneurs through innovative financing and education, tackling socioeconomic challenges, and the importance of cooperative models for addressing issues like housing affordability. The conversation highlights grassroots initiatives and the need for collaboration between residents and local government for vibrant community development.

Christine Corrado, a city councilmember in Brighton, New York, and founder of Brighton Safe Streets for All, discusses her mission to improve community safety and accessibility. She shares personal stories that sparked her advocacy for safer streets, emphasizing the need for grassroots engagement. The conversation dives into the balance between urban growth and environmental conservation, highlighting plans for enhancing pedestrian and bike access on Monroe Avenue. Through collaboration with local agencies, Christine aims to transform Brighton into a more vibrant and safe community for all.

Jack Duncan, a Professor of Architecture and Preservation at the College of Charleston, explores the revival of traditional urbanism and its role in fostering community connections. He emphasizes the importance of human-centered design and craftsmanship in creating meaningful urban spaces. The conversation also delves into the values of younger generations, who prioritize engagement over profit. Additionally, Duncan shares insights about Charleston's hidden gems, inviting listeners to appreciate the beauty of local culture and the resilience of community life.

Gioia Calabretta, a graphic design intern at Strong Towns and active member of Livable Lynchburg, shares her fresh perspective on community engagement. She discusses her enlightening experience at a walk audit, underscoring the need for collaboration in advocating for pedestrian-friendly environments. Gioia contrasts the walkable lifestyle of her college days with the realities of car-centric neighborhoods, urging for impactful local changes. Her journey emphasizes the power of community leadership and collective action in transforming urban spaces.

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.

Jess and Dan Sollaccio, community leaders from Warrenton, Oregon, share their vision for revitalizing their town. Jess focuses on developing a vacant building into a vibrant community hub, while Dan brings insights into budget management for local projects. They discuss the importance of an asset-based approach to strengthen community ties and enhance engagement. The couple highlights the role of communal spaces in fostering social connections and supporting local economies, emphasizing the potential of revitalizing main streets to transform small towns.

Kelsey Huse, a safe streets advocate and graduate student at the City University of Memphis, dives into the pressing issues of urban safety in one of America's most dangerous cities. She discusses her grassroots efforts in analyzing car crash sites and launching advocacy coalitions to promote safer streets. Kelsey also shares insights on personal experiences with urban planning, the role of social media in raising awareness, and the community's push for improved pedestrian and bike infrastructure. Her dedication exemplifies the impact of local advocacy on urban design.