
From Parklets To Pilots, Sheboygan Reclaims Its Streets
From The Bottom-Up Revolution by Strong Towns
March 23, 2026 · 17 min · Episode 236
About this episode
Brian Kelly and Braden Schmidt discuss their journey in redesigning streets and modernizing zoning in Sheboygan, Wisconsin.
Brian Kelly and Braden Schmidt went from curious residents to leaders helping redesign streets, modernize zoning, and unlock safer, more affordable neighborhoods in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. In this conversation, they share how modest first steps—showing up to meetings, testing a parklet, repurposing old materials—grow into city‑wide change. Their story traces the path from tentative beginnings to a community that’s learning, iterating, and steadily becoming stronger. ADDITIONAL SHOW NOTES Vote for Sheboygan in the Strongest Town Contest! Sheboygan Active Transportation (Instagram) Sheboygan Active Transportation (Facebook) Norm Van Eeden Petersman (LinkedIn) 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!
People in this episode
Guests: Brian Kelly, Braden Schmidt
Topics covered
- urban design
- community engagement
- transportation
- zoning
- neighborhood safety
Keywords
- Sheboygan
- urban design
- community
- zoning
- neighborhoods
- transportation
- parklet
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Strong Towns
Places: Sheboygan, Wisconsin
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