Category Archives: Lifestyle

Return of Downtown Local Ownership?

After the September 8th 2025 Bloomington City Council meeting, residents of the urban core can now construct the beloved shophouse typology. (I know, it took some time to push this blogpost out the door). Agenda Item number 8.B. standardized the accessory dwelling unit application process (which we will talk about in a separate post), allowsContinueContinue reading “Return of Downtown Local Ownership?”

The Power of Community: Cohousing

What is Cohousing? In order to help solve our growing local housing crisis, we must be willing to try new types of housing developments. The oversized McMansions that most builders prioritize today are too expensive and out of alignment for most homebuyers. The average household size has decreased significantly in the past twenty years. However,ContinueContinue reading “The Power of Community: Cohousing”

The Importance of Historical Markers in Neighborhood Revitalization

The Dimmitt’s Grove Neighborhood Association has installed six new historical markers, with plans for ten more. Each sign details the home’s history and was funded and created by the association itself. These markers serve as symbols of community pride and have inspired improvements in the neighborhood. This grassroots effort exemplifies the type of revitalization advocated by Strong Towns.

Bloomington Wins the First Round of 2024 Strongest Towns Contest!

In celebration of winning the preliminary round for the 9th annual Strongest Towns Contest, please read our application! Make sure to vote for us in the following rounds! Vote for Bloomington! How Bloomington is working to decrease the negative impacts of parking on their community. As our city completes our new Downtown streetscape plan, theContinueContinue reading “Bloomington Wins the First Round of 2024 Strongest Towns Contest!”

We’ve Been Featured in a Strong Towns Video!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gaf0rPfiZ68 This month’s video from the national Strong Towns YouTube channel, with over 100,000 followers, prominently featured our group! Mike Pasternock visited one of our trash cleanups last fall and used it as an example of how action can get groups off the ground. Importantly he discusses the Sioux Falls Local Conversation, which has movedContinueContinue reading “We’ve Been Featured in a Strong Towns Video!”