It’s news to exactly no one that we’re living in polarized times. But Strong Towns advocates are doing their best to push back against polarization in their communities. In fact, it’s a core value of our movement that we work with people on all parts of the political spectrum, because we know that the change we seek across North America won’t happen without everyone on board.
Today’s guests on The Bottom-Up Revolution podcast, hosted by Rachel Quednau, are doing the challenging but important work of bridging political divides in their home state. Carlos Alfaro and Jacob Pritchett founded Arizona Talks as a platform for learning, dialogue, and connection for individuals impacting public policy. They facilitate debates, conversations, and dialogues amongst residents and leaders throughout Arizona. It’s a diverse state full of lots of different political views, and Carlos and Jacob have navigated those waters to bring together Democrats, Republicans, and folks between and outside those labels for constructive conversation on the issues that matter.
In this interview, they talk about how this project came to be, some of their successes and failures, and their advice for others trying to build common ground in a polarized time.
Additional Show NotesArizona Talks website.
Send your story ideas to rachel@strongtowns.org.
Subscribe to The Bottom-Up Revolution on iTunes, Google Podcasts, Podbean, or via RSS.
Support this podcast by becoming a Strong Towns member today.
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
Lauren Fisher: Building Family and Community Resilience
Ilana Preuss: Saving Downtown with Small-Scale Manufacturing
Michael Kelley: Making Cities More Bike- and Walk-Friendly
Nick Meyer: Shining a Spotlight on the Good That's Happening in Your Town
Haile McCollum: Small Business Owner and Community Leader
John Simmerman: Building Active Towns
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