The Bottom-Up Revolution Is…Reclaiming Forgotten Spaces for the Community

Katy Clagett is a commercial real estate appraiser and activist. She joins the podcast today to talk about the ways that bottom-up projects can build community, as well as her experiences with spearheading this kind of project.

Top Story 2, PodcastStrong TownsNovember 21, 2024podcast, The Bottom-Up Revolution, community building, small bets, taking action

7 Things for Elected Officials To Keep in Mind Before Their First Meeting

You decided to put your passion into action by running for office. Your message resonated with local voters and propelled you to victory. Congratulations! Now what? Here’s some advice from elected officials, as well as Strong Towns members and staff.

Top StoryBen AbramsonAugust 7, 2024local government, elected officials, advocacy, taking action, city government

How Strong Towns Turns Doubt and Disillusion Into Hope and How-To

As a Strong Towns advocate, you likely face a lot of opposition from rigid systems and even other advocates. This opposition claims that you’re not qualified enough to have an opinion or that you’re trying to change things in the wrong way. It’s easy to get discouraged by this barrage, but remember: there’s always something you can do to make a difference.

Top StoryEmma Durand-WoodJune 13, 2024member week, advocacy, psychology, Small Change, taking action

“What Now?” How To Move From Awareness to Action as a Strong Towns Advocate

The Strong Towns movement is steadily progressing to the next phase of its mission. A substantial number of people are convinced of the principles behind the movement, and they want to roll up their sleeves and get to work. Here’s how to make the leap from building awareness to actually changing the default of North America’s built environment.

5 Action Steps You Can Take To Start Changing the Property Tax System in Your Town

The Just Accounting for Health coalition has been researching and reporting on property tax inequities for the past 18 months. But the real work is just getting started—and it starts with you.

Top of the Bottom-Up: Creating a Coffee Shop for the Whole Neighborhood

Coté Soeren’s “Resistencia” coffee shop in Seattle is a space for community connection and support, not gentrification.

Top of the Bottom-Up: Taking Matters Into Our Own Hands to #SlowTheCars

After the local government did nothing, this Strong Towns advocate bought a dangerous road in her community and made it safer.

Top of the Bottom-Up: Building Family and Community Resilience

On a homestead in rural Wisconsin, Lauren Fisher is dedicated to growing her own food and connecting with her neighbors.

Podcast, Top StoryStrong TownsDecember 15, 2022The Bottom-Up Revolution, local food, taking action

Top of the Bottom-Up: Building Gentle Density and a Grassroots Campaign for City Council

Ashley Salvador is a housing advocate and city councilor in Edmonton, Alberta.

Top of the Bottom-Up: Growing Food, Growing Resilience

Alfred Melbourne sees farming as a chance to bring back land into productive use, feed neighbors, and help guide young people down a supportive path.

Podcast, Top StoryStrong TownsOctober 27, 2022The Bottom-Up Revolution, local food, Farming, taking action

10 Recommendations for Freeway Fighters

From one freeway fighter to any aspiring freeway fighters out there: Here’s 10 things to keep in mind as you advocate for highway removal in your community.

“I Want To Make a Change in My Community…but Where Do I Start?”

Sometimes it can be daunting for advocates to begin…well, actually advocating. Here’s a simple, 4-step process that can help you overcome that first hurdle toward making your place stronger.

Top StoryJohn PattisonMay 26, 2022taking action, how to, community, advocacy, Strong Towns Academy, Local-Motive Tour

Join the Strong Towns Toastmasters Club!

If you want to help spread the Strong Towns message, but are held back by a fear of public speaking, then this is the club for you!

Top StoryJennifer GaughranMay 19, 2022member story, advocacy, taking action, nonprofit sector

The Bottom-Up Revolution Is...Incremental Change in a Small Town

Cooper Frost is catalyzing economic development and pride of place in Charlotte, MI.

Podcast, Top StoryStrong TownsMay 12, 2022taking action, success stories, podcast, michigan

4 Key Rules for Getting More Housing Where You Live

One of the easiest ways we can have more housing that more people can afford is to allow that housing to be built in the first place. In other words, we need to readdress our zoning codes.

The Bottom-Up Revolution Is...Helping Neighbors Grow (and Sell!) Their Own Food

In San Elizario, TX, these local leaders are spearheading an agricultural renaissance.

Podcast, Top StoryStrong TownsMay 5, 2022taking action, success stories, Farming, local food, podcast

How to Calm a Street, Starting with Your Own Anger

Frustrated by cars speeding down your neighborhood street at 40 mph? Don’t blame the people driving the cars.

The Bottom-Up Revolution Is...Slowing Down Cars and Building Up Neighborhoods

Get to know Jay Stange, safe streets advocate and Content Manager at Strong Towns.

Podcast, Top StoryStrong TownsApril 28, 2022taking action, success stories, alaska, road diet, bikes, podcast

How To Fix a Dangerous Street in 24 Hours or Less

Too many of our streets favor the movement of cars over the safety of human lives—but this free action guide will show how you can protect people in your community.