Can Courtyard Blocks Make Cities More Family Friendly?

Many cities are experiencing a rapid decline in their under-age-5 population, as a lack of family-sized housing forces families to leave for the suburbs. How should cities respond? One method is adopting courtyard blocks.

Top StoryAlicia PedersonOctober 2, 2024Incremental Housing, people centered places, family, cities, illinois

The Bottom-Up Revolution Is...Working Alongside Local Government

On this episode of The Bottom-Up Revolution, we catch up with a Local Conversation leader whose initial gathering sparked a movement that led to his city changing its zoning code.

Peoria Takes a Walk—And Steps Toward Reforming Its Transportation System

Through a series of walk audits, local leaders in Peoria, IL, are not only observing the urban environment, but starting to understand how small, simple actions can profoundly shape it.

State, City DOT Agreement Gives Chicago More Control Over Streets

Conflicting priorities between city transportation departments and their state counterparts is one of the biggest barriers to pedestrian safety improvements. Chicago is taking a step toward mending that relationship.

History Teacher Steps Up and Starts the Conversation for Change in Bloomington, Illinois

Local Conversation leader Noah Tang appeared on the radio to talk about how his group, the Bloomington Revivalists, are making positive changes for housing in their community.

Build Galesburg for People, Not Cars

Galesburg, IL, is talking about Strong Towns ideas, centered around a question that many Strong Towns readers are familiar with: “Is our downtown built for cars instead of people?”

Can America’s Unfair Property Tax System Ever Be Fixed?

Strong Towns interviews Dr. Christopher Berry, of the University of Chicago, on how we can begin making meaningful changes to the U.S.’s broken property tax system.

This “Homegrown Project” Offers a Place To Thrive for Small Business Owners

These pop-up shops in Berwyn, IL, are a great example of how communities can provide low-cost, low-risk spaces for local business owners to get their foot in the door.

Can We Please Stop Fighting About Gardens

In this town where so many people have front-lawn gardens, why is anyone still arguing that they shouldn’t be allowed?

Top StorySeairra JonesMarch 15, 2022gardening, food deserts, local food, community, city council, small towns, illinois

The Galesburg Papers, Part 2: The Cure

In this follow-up to last week’s piece about Galesburg, IL, we’ll look at what the town needs in order to recover and thrive.

The Galesburg Papers, Part 1: The Diagnosis

Citizens of Galesburg, IL, are trying to save their public indoor pool and create a new activity complex. City council is sympathetic, but there's just one problem: money.