Vison Zero is supposed to represent a commitment to achieving zero traffic deaths, but it often devolves into empty platitudes — even when public officials genuinely support it. That’s because they’re looking for solutions in the wrong place. Instead of blaming individual drivers, officials need to look at the root cause of most traffic deaths: the contradictory design of city streets.
Read MoreTrying to decide on your next smallest step? Chances are, your city already has systems in place to address infrastructure concerns. Strong Towns member Danny Williams demonstrates how you can use those systems to produce positive change.
Read MoreAn initiative that encourages people to use a bike instead of a car seems like a good thing, but does National Bike to Work Day actually encourage bikeability?
Read MoreSpecial assessments are a way local governments can fund projects that will add value to homeowners’ property. When used to fund regular maintenance, though, they’re self-serving, irresponsible and unfairly target the poorest members of the community. It’s time to demand better.
Read MoreWhen budget season comes around, it can be hard to feel good about policy wins when there are so many other important causes that are also fighting for funding.
Read MoreThere’s a troubling narrative out there that you can only get things done in your community if you’re in public office, or by otherwise working through official, formal channels. But this is simply not true.
Read MoreEric Goldwyn, a leading urban scholar and program director at the Marron Institute of Urban Management, joins us to talk about the importance of both transit and local government.
Read MoreThe next smallest step for your community doesn’t always involve changing a street’s design or making housing policy reforms. Sometimes, it’s as simple as asking questions and probing the thoughts of local leaders.
Read MoreThe best time to influence a development proposal so that it fits well into its urban context is early, not late, in the process.
Read MoreLandlords may no longer be “land lords” in the historical sense, but they are still charged with a great number of responsibilities at a deeply local level—so, what does it mean to be a good steward of the land?
Read MoreWhen it comes to saving the world, there’s a limit to what top-down policies can do.
Read MoreTemporary projects can help cities take the guesswork out of new infrastructure.
Read MoreIs your city leaping before it hops?
Read MoreIt’s election season, and whom your community chooses for local office goes a long way to determining what path it takes in regards to development. Here are the questions you should be asking your candidates.
Read MoreServing in local government is the most direct and important way you can shape the policies that affect your community—and here are 10 core concepts that will help you do so in a way that meets your place’s needs.
Read MoreTalking with your local elected officials is more important than you know—and it’s easier than you think.
Read MoreDDOT lacks the tools and leadership to move aggressively to make DC’s streets safe, argue two advocates with local government experience.
Read MoreToo often, people who offer seemingly simple solutions for problems in their community just get dismissed by municipal staff. Here’s how to persist.
Read MoreOn 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.
Read MoreIn many ways, Brattleboro is the archetypal North American city. So, what does this Strongest Town Contest champion do differently compared to so many other places like it?
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