Episode

Your City Said It Wants Public Input, Now What?

Podcast
The Bottom-Up Revolution
Published
Jul 14, 2026
Duration seconds
1141
Processing state
not_requested
Canonical source
https://littlethings.strongtowns.org/e/your-city-said-it-wants-public-input-now-what/
Audio
https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/pmqnpitakv8itmk3/BUS_7-14-26.mp3
JSON
/v1/public/podcasts/the-bottom-up-revolution-515360/episodes/your-city-said-it-wants-public-input-now-what
Markdown
/podcast/the-bottom-up-revolution-515360/your-city-said-it-wants-public-input-now-what.md

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Summary

Cities regularly ask residents for feedback, especially when budgets tighten or difficult tradeoffs approach. Norm and Mary Kate Norton look at what changes when people respond as an organized group instead of a collection of individual voices. They trace how Local Conversations grow from first meetings and small projects into groups that can communicate clearly, build relationships with public officials and take part in larger policy fights. A good idea may open the door, but organized local support gives it a better chance of surviving the meeting, carrying into the next discussion and becoming something the city can’t easily set aside. ADDITIONAL SHOW NOTES Mary Kate Norton (LinkedIn) Strong Towns Local Conversations (Map) Norm Van Eeden Petersman (LinkedIn) Do you know someone who would make for a great Bottom-Up Revolution guest? Let us know here. This podcast is made possible by Strong Towns members. Thank you! Join fellow members discussing this episode in The Commons.