About this episode
Mary Kate Norton, Strong Towns’ Mobilization Coordinator and Trainer, came to advocacy through other people’s stories: campus workers juggling multiple jobs, family members stuck without safe transportation options, and neighbors trying to find housing they could afford. Those experiences shaped how she sees local change now: as something rooted in attention, trust, and the willingness to let a place tell you what it needs. In this episode, Mary Kate reflects on how personal stories become public work, why successful local groups begin by listening, and how advocates can build movements that fit their own communities instead of copying someone else’s model.
ADDITIONAL SHOW NOTES- Mary Kate Norton (LinkedIn)
- Strong Towns Local Conversations (Site)
- Local Recommendations:
- Tiffany Owens Reed (Instagram)
- 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.
Get every episode summarized
Each time The Bottom-Up Revolution publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
Hosts & guests
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
More from The Bottom-Up Revolution
The Missing Ingredient in Great Placemaking
The Bottom-Up Revolution
The Goldilocks Problem Behind City Taxes
The Bottom-Up Revolution
The Co-Living Exchange Pairing Students and Seniors
The Bottom-Up Revolution
They Want to Pave Old San Juan for Parking
The Bottom-Up Revolution