From the Ground Up

Kicking off Season 4 of the Booked on Planning podcast, we discussed critical transformations required to make our cities resilient and equitable. Our guest, Alison Sant, the author of “From the Ground Up: Local Efforts to Create Resilient Cities,” brings to light the vital role of community-led efforts in combating climate change and systemic racism in urban environments. The book underscores the urgency of addressing these pressing issues within cities, which are responsible for a substantial share of global carbon emissions. Alison emphasizes the historical impact of systemic racism on urban landscapes, leading to disparities in resources and vulnerabilities, especially in under-resourced communities.

The book showcases programs and projects in cities like New Orleans and Baltimore, where local communities are taking charge to address these challenges. New Orleans serves as a poignant example of how discriminatory development policies have exacerbated vulnerabilities during climate events like Hurricane Katrina. By empowering diverse communities to lead, inventive solutions can emerge, addressing both environmental and social inequities.

The podcast episode highlights the disconnect between local governments and community-based organizations, a gap that often hinders effective urban planning. Community engagement, as demonstrated in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, where a bike share program adaptation not only improved accessibility but also created jobs, is key. Similarly, innovative public transport solutions in Houston and New York showcase the power of flexible bus networks to enhance transit accessibility.

The book discusses community-led planning, contrasting it with traditional approaches. Using post-Hurricane Katrina New Orleans as a case study, readers learn about Angela Chalk’s efforts in green infrastructure initiatives, turning local engagement into a model for urban planning. Challenges like those faced by the North Minneapolis Greenway project highlight the necessity of trust, communication, and addressing systemic inequities for effective community planning.

Gentrification and equitable development form a central theme in the book, particularly in neighborhoods like Bayview Hunters Point, San Francisco. The India Basin Waterfront Park initiative serves as a case study in preventing displacement while fostering economic opportunities and cultural richness. By drawing from historical movements and ongoing grassroots campaigns, the book underscores the enduring importance of community solidarity and grassroots activism in creating just and sustainable urban environments.

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