Property Tax Per Acre, Campaign Strategy, and Civic Movements | Ask Strong Towns Anything – July 16, 2025

Thanks to everyone who joined! This session brought together local leaders and advocates reflecting on how to create transformational change through relationships, narrative shifts, and policy windows—anchored in Strong Towns principles.

This session is part of an ongoing series exclusive to Strong Towns members. Want to join the next one? Become a member today.

📚 Featured Resources Shared in Chat

📖 Cascades by Greg Satell

Book link
Essential reading on how bottom-up movements gain traction—great for understanding cultural and political momentum.

📝 Jess Sollaccio for Council (Warrenton, VA)

https://www.jessforwarrenton.com
An inspiring example of someone applying Strong Towns principles through local leadership.

📝 Ashley Salvador for Council (Edmonton, AB)

https://www.ashleysalvador.com
An advocate turned policymaker—another powerful model for civic transformation.

📝 Eva Lopez for Council (Salt Lake City, UT)

https://evaforcouncil.com
Running on a platform of local change, Eva brings a planning lens to the council table.

🧠 Emma Durand-Wood

https://www.emmadurandwood.ca/about
A communications strategist working on civic engagement and transparency in Canada.

🌍 Urban3 – Canadian Work (Peterborough, ON)

Urban3’s analysis of property tax productivity and annexation patterns in Ontario. While we can’t link the visuals here, slides from their Peterborough work were shared—contact Norm for access if interested.

📬 Strong Towns Resources to Share Widely

• Webinar: “Creating Change – A Hangout with Strong Towns Creators” (July 22)
  For members—learn how other local leaders are turning ideas into change.

• Cohort Program
  An 8-month leadership and learning experience—encourage community-minded changemakers to apply.

• Strong Towns Accelerator
  Designed for technical staff and practitioners ready to dive deep into implementation.

🔎 Bonus Read

“Ladling on the Love for Loopholes” – Dear Winnipeg
A fun yet insightful look at bureaucratic gamesmanship and how reformers navigate rule systems with grace.