Building Resilient Cities: Local Efforts and Community Collaboration

I am Northwest Arkansas

About the Show:

"I really believe that social infrastructure is one of the most crucial pieces of our future resiliency and our democracy."

• Alison Sant

About the Guest:

Alison Sant is a renowned artist, designer, and author celebrated for her work in urban resilience and sustainability. She is the co-founder of the Studio for Urban Projects, which focuses on the intersection of architecture, art, and social activism. Alison has authored the influential book "From the Ground Up: Local Efforts to Create Resilient Cities," drawing on over 90 interviews to showcase projects blending sustainability with equity.

Megan Brown is pivotal in organizing the ULI NWA Place Summit, bringing together various stakeholders to discuss and implement strategies for urban development and placemaking in Northwest Arkansas. Her efforts have been essential in fostering dialogue around the built environment and its broader social impacts.

Episode Summary:

In this engaging episode of the I Am Northwest Arkansas Podcast, host Randy Wilburn welcomes Alison Sant and Megan Brown to discuss the upcoming ULI NWA Place Summit. The summit is a crucial event emphasizing placemaking and sustainable urban development in Northwest Arkansas. Alison Sant, a prominent author and urbanist, outlines her journey through art and design, emphasizing the role of cities in combating climate change. Her work highlights the need for community-based efforts and infrastructure investments that prioritize equity and sustainability.

The episode dives deep into Alison's collaborative projects that have driven positive impacts across various communities by uniting diverse groups, including government officials and community activists. Through the lens of her book "From the Ground Up," she illustrates the importance of social infrastructure and community engagement in addressing urban challenges. Alison shares insights into successful projects and future goals, which will be elaborated at the upcoming Place Summit. Meanwhile, Megan Brown provides context on how the summit aims to bridge the gap between diverse stakeholders in the region's urban development.

Key Takeaways:

• Sustainable Urban Development: Alison Sant emphasizes the significant role cities play in addressing climate change and the importance of integrating sustainable practices into urban planning.
• Community-Centric Efforts: A key focus is on community-led initiatives that promote resilience and sustainability, highlighting successful collaborations that have transformed urban spaces.
• Role of Social Infrastructure: The episode underscores the critical nature of social infrastructure as a key ingredient in creating resilient, equitable communities.
• Collaborative Innovation: Highlighted are stories of successful interdisciplinary collaborations between government entities, designers, and local communities that have led to impactful urban projects.
• Upcoming ULI NWA Place Summit: The episode sets the stage for the summit, poised to be an inspiring convergence for stakeholders in placemaking and urban development.

All this and more on this episode of the I Am Northwest Arkansas podcast.

Important Links and Mentions on the Show*

Email Alison Sant

Website Studio for Urban Projects

Website Alison Sant

Studio for Urban Projects on Instagram

Studio for Urban Projects on Facebook

Studio for Urban Projects on YouTube

Alison Sant on LinkedIn

Tune in to KUAF 91.3 FM to listen to the I Am Northwest Arkansas podcast on Ozarks at Large every Tuesday at 12 Noon and 7 PM CST. And, check us out on their podcast as well.

This episode is sponsored by*

Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!"

Northwest Arkansas Council - "Life Works Here!"

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*Note: some of the resources mentioned may be affiliate links. This means we get paid a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase.

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