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The Bottom-Up Revolution features the stories of the Strong Towns movement in action. Hosted by Tiffany Owens Reed and Norm Van Eeden Petersman, it's all about how regular people have stepped up to make their communities more economically resilient, and how others can implement these ideas in their own places. We’ll talk about taking concrete action steps, connecting with fellow advocates to build power, and surviving the bumps along the way—all in the pursuit of creating stronger towns. Each episode features a Strong Towns advocate who is making positive change in their community.
Episodes

Tuesday Jul 29, 2025
Courtyard Urbanism: The Best of Both City and Suburb
Tuesday Jul 29, 2025
Tuesday Jul 29, 2025
Dr. Alicia Pederson is a writer and advocate who encourages cities to adopt courtyard urbanism, a style of development where mixed-use buildings surround a shared courtyard. Today, she joins Norm to explain the benefits of this development style and how to advocate for it.
ADDITIONAL SHOW NOTES
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6 housing reforms that could help make courtyard blocks possible.
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Read more from Alicia:
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Urban Courtyard (X/Twitter)
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“Chicago’s affordable housing plan demands a courtyard block blueprint” Chicago Tribune
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“The courtyard block solution to Chicago’s family flight problem” Chicago Tribune
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“A better way to approach the challenge of Lincoln Yards” Crain’s Chicago Business
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Norm Van Eeden Petersman (LinkedIn)
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Do you know someone who would make for a great The Bottom-Up Revolution guest? Let us know here!
This podcast is made possible by Strong Towns members. Click here to learn more about membership, including member-exclusive perks.

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