Walk Your Neighborhood Like Jane Jacobs

About this episode

Natalie Legras discusses a neighbor-led walk in Portland inspired by Jane Jacobs that fosters community engagement.

In Portland’s Hollywood district, a neighbor-led walk inspired by Jane Jacobs helps people see a familiar street in a new way. Strong Towns PDX organizer Natalie Legras shares how she pulled together a low-key neighborhood walk that feels more like hanging out than hosting an event. Starting with a few map pins and a small group of neighbors, the walk opens up conversations about old houses turned apartments, new infill, and why some corners lost their shops. Natalie explains how donuts, farmers markets, and a welcoming volunteer culture keep people coming back, and how these modest efforts deepen care for Portland. ADDITIONAL SHOW NOTES Natalie Legras (LinkedIn) Strong Towns PDX (Site) 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! Join fellow members discussing this episode in The Commons.

People in this episode

Host: Strong Towns

Guest: Natalie Legras

Topics covered

• neighborhood walks
• community engagement
• urban planning
• Jane Jacobs
• local culture

Keywords

• neighborhood walk
• Jane Jacobs
• community
• Portland
• urban infill
• local culture
• Strong Towns

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Strong Towns PDX

Places: Portland, Hollywood district

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