Sidewalk Battles, Tactical Urbanism, and Strong Citizens in Action | Ask Strong Towns Anything – July 23, 2025

In this Ask Strong Towns Anything session, we explored what it takes to make transformational change in your community—without burning bridges or going it alone. From resisting flawed local policies to rallying neighbors with a positive vision, this conversation was filled with lessons for anyone working within messy systems to build something better.

Whether you're organizing a neighborhood association, running for office, or placing a bench at a bus stop, this is a reminder that the Strong Towns movement is powered by everyday people taking meaningful steps to strengthen their places.

This session is part of an ongoing series exclusive to Strong Towns members. Want to join the next one? Become a Strong Towns member today at https://strongtowns.org/membership

🔍 Whether you're a city planner, journalist, advocate, or curious citizen, there’s something here for you. Learn from peers on the front lines and get tactical advice from Strong Towns advocates and staff.

💬 Member Insights and Contributions

• Donna emphasized the emotional toll of resistance from local leaders and the importance of knowing you're not alone. Her vulnerability sparked a larger discussion about how “small wins” and moral support from the Strong Towns community help advocates stay in the game.

• Aaron Caldwell pointed the group to Fayetteville’s Tactical Urbanism page, reinforcing how empowering it is when cities allow residents to test ideas without mountains of red tape.

• Several members laughed and reacted to Ian Lockwood’s memorable podcast line about building a “shitload of bike lanes”—a light moment that reminded us how good stories can shift even hardened political perspectives.

• Conversation threads highlighted how different cities—from Steubenville to Springfield to Houston—are finding momentum through cultural events, test projects, and unconventional allies.

📚 Resources from this session:

• 🎥 Why Businesses Despise Sidewalk Projects
  A classic Strong Towns video unpacking why even small public realm upgrades can face resistance from business owners.
  Watch now

• 🌆 First Fridays – The Harmonium Project (Steubenville, OH)
  A creative local tradition that brings people downtown through art, music, and good food.
  Learn more

• 📜 A Declaration for Better Places (via LinkedIn)
  A poetic post that captures the spirit of grassroots city-building.
  Read it

• 🚲 UnGap the Map initiatives
  Efforts to identify and close active transportation gaps:
  → BikeHub.ca
  → AB Street analysis tool
  → Forward SGF

• 🛠️ Tactical Urbanism – Fayetteville, AR
  A real-world example of how one city empowers residents to test low-cost, temporary street improvements.
  See the city page

• 🎧 Podcast: Ian Lockwood – Thoughts from an Engineer
  A favorite among members, this episode unpacks the cost math behind bike lanes and how Houston's conservative leadership was won over by it.
  Listen here

• 🏘️ What One First-Time Developer Can Teach Us About Housing Solutions
  A hopeful story about how small-scale developers can make a big difference.
  Read article

• 🏡 4 Key Rules for Getting More Housing Where You Live
  An actionable guide to unlocking incremental housing opportunities in your neighborhood.
  Explore here

• 😂 Strong Towns Meme Collection
  Because sometimes, the best way to make a point is to make people laugh.
  Browse the memes

💬 Have a question for Chuck or the Strong Towns team?
Submit it here: https://strongtowns.org/asta

🙌 Believe in stronger, more resilient communities?
Become a Strong Towns member today: https://strongtowns.org/membership