Welcome to the 2nd annual Strong Towns Illinois Regional Gathering! Hosted right here in Bloomington-Normal, and we are excited to host attendees from all over the state and even the Midwest.
Last year we had over 40 attendees in Chicago, and we hope to match or exceed that number this year!
Highlighted Sessions & Speakers
These sessions below will occur during the main session on Saturday in sequential order.
Session: Coalition Building & Cutting an Issue
Speaker: Mary Kate Norton, Strong Towns Mobilization Coordinator & Trainer
Session: Public Art & Placemaking
Speaker: Katherine McCarthy, Strong Towns Blono Public Art & Safety Committee Chair
Session: Panel on Messaging
Speakers: Curbanism Club/ ST Elgin
Session: Power of Public Data in Advocacy
Speakers: ST Chicago/ST Blono
Session: Legislative Updates
Speakers: Alex Montero, ST Chicago Chairperson
Session: BUILD Plan Panel
Speakers: Olivia Ortego, Office of the Governor, Director of Housing Solutions | Alex Montero, ST Chicago Chairperson | State Senator Dave Koehler | Elizabeth Johnston, McLean County Board Chair
Full Agenda & Schedule
10/2 Early Arrivals Social
What: Come join the early arrivals at Fiala Brothers in Uptown Normal for casual socializing & networking. Fiala is a full service restaurant near the Amtrak Station.
Where: Fiala Brothers 127 E Beaufort St, Normal, IL 61761
When: Friday October 2nd, 7 PM – 9 PM (or later)
Tour of BNCLT’s Home
What: We will head as a group to the site of first community land trust (CLT) home in Bloomington-Normal, or anywhere Downstate for that matter, with the president of the BNCLT Mark Adams. He will introduce the CLT affordable housing model and discuss how it fits within a Strong Towns framework for housing solutions. RSVP because space is limited
Where: 1309 Eastholme Dr, Bloomington, IL 61701
When: Saturday October 3rd, 9 AM – 9:45 AM
Local Chapter Lead Session
What: This session will revolve mostly about internal organizing for Strong Towns Local Conversation groups: how to organize yourselves, best practices, prevent burnout, how to get grants and sponsorships, and strategic planning. This will be an in-the-weeds session. So attend if you’re an LC lead, interested in being one, or wanting to start your own LC.
Where: Illinois Prairie Community Foundation, 915 East Washington St #2, Bloomington, IL 61701
When: Saturday October 3rd, 10 AM – 12 PM
Lunch on Your Own
What: Go visit the various restaurants in Downtown Bloomington with other STILL attendees, network, share ideas, and eat great food! Ensure you have enough time to make it to the library by 1 PM!
Where: Various Locations:
Italian: Napoli’s, Lucca Grill
American: Rosie’s Pub, Brass Pig, Elroy’s, Windy City Wieners
Mexican: Poblano Burrito
When: Saturday October 3rd, 12 PM – 1 PM
Main Open Session
What: This will contain most of the sessions and topics pertaining to members of Strong Towns Illinois: legislative updates, local conversation success showcase, strategizing on how to get connected, and more. See the detailed agenda above for session information.
Where: Bloomington Public Library, Community Room #3, 205 E Olive St, Bloomington, IL 61701
When: Saturday October 3rd, 1 PM – 4 PM
Downtown Bloomington & Core Neighborhood Walking Tour
What: Walk with our local leaders to experience Downtown Bloomington in all its glory, faults, hopes, and dreams. See Strong Towns Blono in action with our neighborhood organizing work and public art installations. We will also be conducting a tour of the missing middle housing in our core neighborhoods.
Where: Meet at Bloomington Public Library, 205 E Olive St, Bloomington, IL 61701
When: Saturday October 3rd, 4 PM – 5 PM
Dinner
What: Attendees will be getting dinner at various restaurants in Downtown Bloomington. We suggest Rosie’s Pub, Anju Above, or Epiphany Farms. Our central meeting space for the rest of the night will be Pour Brothers Taproom.
Where: Various, Pour Brothers Taproom 236 E Front St, Bloomington, IL, 61701
When: Saturday October 3rd, 6 PM – 8 PM
Downtown Social Hours
What: Night out on the town at various Downtown Bloomington Bars.
Where: Various, Pour Brothers Taproom 236 E Front St, Bloomington, IL, 61701
When: Saturday October 3rd, 8 PM – Late
Sunday 10/4 Local Chapter Leads Brunch
What: Final internal organizing session for LC leads: planning and coordinating future statewide campaigns and deciding location of next STILL.
Where: Coffeehouse 114 East Beaufort St, Normal, IL 61761
When: Sunday October 4th, 9 AM – 10:30 AM
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this event free?
Yes! However, we always love donations to support our work here at Strong Towns Blono.
What will the transportation situation look like?
For the main events on Saturday afternoon (lunch, main sessions, walking tour, and dinner) will all be in walking distance of each other and a direct bus trip from Uptown Normal on the Green Line. If you want to attend the BNCLT home tour or the LC Lead Morning session and do not have a ride, please contact us at president@strongtownsblono.com so we can get rides figured out.
What are recommended accommodations?
We recommend any of the hotels in the community, especially the Marriott or Hyatt in Uptown, or the Chateau on the Eastside. If you are having trouble finding accommodations, please contact us.