This week at Strong Towns is of our fall member drive—where the Strong Towns staff has all hands on deck to encourage readers and listeners just like you to become members of the Strong Towns movement. Therefore, we’re changing the game up a bit on It’s the Little Things and sharing a story of how a Strong Towns member—Andy Diaz out of Peoria, Illinois—has used the Strong Towns message to make his community stronger.
If you’ve followed It’s the Little Things for a bit, you may remember our past episode with Andy Diaz, where he shared the story of his organization Urban Acres and how he made small yet effective bets to provide healthy food in his community.
Well, in usual Strong Towns fashion, since that conversation, Andy has made several more small bets in his community that have inspired his neighbors to reimagine what economic development means for a community striving to become a strong town.
Today, Andy—along with the help of his father and wife—run market slash entrepreneur incubator that gives residents in the neighborhood an opportunity to sell their product and, over time, contribute to the financial resiliency of the community. (Oh, yeah, and all without any tax subsidies from the city.)
I have a lot of love for Andy and the way he’s demonstrated the Strong Towns movement in Peoria, Illinois time and time—and am so excited to share this episode with you. And if you like what you hear, please—from the bottom of my heart—consider becoming a member of the Strong Towns movement. 5 dollars, 10 dollars, however much you’re compelled to give however often helps us grow this movement that we all love and support. And, with your heart, we’re certain we can truly lead a bottom-up revolution to build strong cities, towns, and neighborhoods across North America.
Join the movement today at strongtowns.org/membership.
Gracen Johnson: A Neighborhood Person
Gregg Lombardi: Collaborating for Neighborhood Revitalization
Andrea Marr: An Interdisciplinary, Incremental Leader
Billy Altom: Helping Rural Residents with Disabilities to Thrive
Kirk Seyfert: Increasing Bike Access for All
Beth Hoffman: Getting Real about the Cost and Value of Farming
Ashley Salvador: Building Gentle Density and a Grassroots Campaign for City Council
Mason Thompson: Saying Yes to Your City
Tim Wright: Joining with Neighbors and Taking Action
Rebecca Undem: Helping Small Towns and Their People Thrive
Rob Green: A Strong Towns Advocate and Mayor
Sarah Davis: Data-Driven, Community-Centered Planning
Austin Taylor: Using Tactical Urbanism to Make Your Town Stronger
Chuck Marohn: Taking a Strong Towns Approach to Transportation
Cate Ryba: Connecting Neighbors and Harnessing the Power of Fun
Tiffany Owens: Paying Attention to Your City
Thomas Dougherty: Turning Alleys into Productive Space
Wendy Streit: Using Public Art to Help Small Businesses
Mary Jones: Taking Matters Into Her Own Hands to #SlowTheCars
Jenifer Acosta: Giving New Life to Historic Buildings and Neighborhoods
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