Better Block Cofounder Jason Roberts to Speak at Strong Towns Summit

We're excited to announce that Jason Roberts, cofounder of the Better Block Project, will speak at the upcoming Strong Towns Summit in Tulsa on March 31. Jason's work at Better Block offers a truly incremental, small-scale, Strong Towns angle to building better neighborhoods. (Read our previous coverage of Better Block.) As their website explains: "Better Block disrupts the traditional planning process and replaces it with hands-on community action."

We know that Jason's presentation will be an important opportunity for Summit attendees to learn about Better Block concepts and consider how to implement them in their own towns. He'll speak about how he began his work in the Oak Cliff community of Dallas, Texas and what led to the development of the Better Block. He'll also touch on reviving the historic streetcar system, helping restore a neighborhood theatre, and ultimately working with neighbors to create a more walkable and livable community. 

See Jason's fantastic TED talk below to get an idea of what's in store at the summit.

Opposite to the 'top down' concept of urban design is BETTER BLOCK, founded in Dallas' Oak Cliff by Jason Roberts and Andrew Howard. The Better Block project is a demonstration tool that temporarily re-visions an area to show the potential to create a walkable, vibrant, neighborhood center.

Check out the full line-up of speakers, see the event schedule, and read Jason's bio on our Summit info page.

(Top photo from UrbanABQ)