What is a Local Conversation?

A Local Conversation is a group of people in a particular place who come together to talk about the Strong Towns approach and then work together to put it into action where they live.

Since we started Local Conversations in early 2018, our readers and members have created nearly 300 groups across the world. (You can see the complete map of all Local Conversations here.)

Local Conversations are how the Strong Towns movement comes to life.

Local Conversations turn Strong Towns principles into real-world change: driving local policy reform, advancing place-based projects, amplifying the movement’s credibility and reach, and building a shared identity rooted in place.

1. Policy Change
   Local Conversations drive meaningful local policy reform, especially in alignment with Strong Towns' strategic campaigns (e.g., incremental housing, street safety). These groups become the on-the-ground advocates who can push local governments to implement Strong Towns principles.
   
   
2. Place-Based Projects
   Groups inspire or support tangible change. It may begin with tactical urbanism to slow down cars on a busy stroad or converting excess parking into a pop-up parklet or public art to increase community pride. It may progress to advocating for zoning reform to unlock missing-middle housing, or using the Finance Decoder to start much-needed conversations about future budgeting practices. These tangible outcomes demonstrate proof of concept and make the movement real at the neighborhood level. Local Conversations can be the laboratories of this work where the Strong Towns approach is tested and validated.
   
   
3. Movement Credibility and Reach
   Local Conversations are how Strong Towns becomes “the water everyone swims in.” They amplify Strong Towns’ reputation, visibility, and legitimacy by grounding the message in real people doing real things in real places. Ultimately, Local Conversations make Strong Towns the reputable—and eventually the default—way of thinking about how towns and cities grow.
   
   
4. Bottom-Up Identity
   Local Conversations are a platform to displace partisan polarization with a shared identity rooted in place. The vision is for Local Conversations to offer a cultural alternative: one where civic strength grows from local leadership, not ideological alignment. The Strong Towns movement displaces partisan narratives with a shared identity grounded in the love of place.

Local Conversations grow through four stages, building credibility and increasing impact as they advance.

• They Gather in their community.
• They Communicate with their community.
• They Advocate for their community.
• And they Transform alongside their community, as the Local Conversation and the city are strengthened together.

These stages guide each group’s journey from building trust to creating lasting local change. At every stage, leaders receive support, tools, and training to help them move forward.

This work isn’t just about good policy or better design—it’s about helping communities thrive by restoring local strength, resilience, and connection. Understanding these stages is key to fulfilling that mission—and it’s where great local leaders come in. Local Conversations are led by people who see themselves as part of something bigger.

We’re looking for Local Conversation leaders who are committed to a challenging but meaningful journey: building relationships, shaping local narratives, organizing for change, and helping their communities become stronger and more resilient. Leadership starts with purpose, requires preparation, and thrives on persistence. If that resonates with you, you just might be the kind of leader this movement needs.

Not everyone is called to lead—but everyone can play a role. If leadership isn’t the right fit, you can still support the movement by becoming a Strong Towns member. When a Local Conversation is started near you, we will let you know.

Interested in learning more? The first step is easy (but meaningful): Fill out this simple form indicating your interest in starting a Local Conversation where you live. Strong Towns community builder John Pattison will be in touch from there to help guide you through the process.

Yes, the first step is simple—but don't underestimate how powerful it is. This is the first move in making your town or city stronger and more financially resilient, both now and for future generations.