The Week Ahead

Rachel and Chuck recap a week on the Iron Range.

PodcastStrong TownsMay 23, 2016Minnesota, the week ahead

Why I Ride a Bike

I don't ride a bike because I love bikes. I ride because it’s a convenient and economical mode of transportation to accomplish my daily tasks. Plain and simple.

Bikeability, #DotheMath, Member Post, Top Story, #StrongCitizensAlex PlineMay 23, 2016cycling

This week's slackchat with Yuri Artibise

Once a week, we're inviting readers to join us for a conversation with one of our staff, writers or members on Slack. This week's SlackChat will be hosted by Yuri Artibise, Strong Towns' Community Builder.

Artibise, Top StoryStrong TownsMay 23, 2016slackchat

Engineers Should Not Design Streets

Engineers are great at building roads, but we should never ask them to build our streets.

#SlowtheCars, Marohn, Engineering ProfessionCharles MarohnMay 23, 2016roads, traffic engineering, engineers, streets

Our Top Stories from Iron Range Week

A roundup of our most popular pieces about the Iron Range.

Iron RangeStrong TownsMay 21, 2016post roundup

Leah Calgaro renovates a historic, mixed-use downtown building

Leah Calgaro is a lifelong resident of the Iron Range. She chose a unique path for a young person and recently purchased a mixed-use building in downtown Virginia, MN. She is living in the upstairs while renovating the other floors. This is her story.

Strong Towns Message Making Inroads on the Range

The Iron Range events have been informative, engaging, and challenging. We're especially pleased with the local response. Here is some recent press coverage of our work on the Range.

Top Story, Success Story, Curbside Chat, Iron RangeRachel QuednauMay 19, 2016

Targeted Downtown Incentives that Work

In this week's featured member post, Mike Williams highlights the success of an incentive program that has led to a stunning rebirth of Fargo's downtown.

Finance, Member Post, Strategies, Top StoryMike WilliamsMay 19, 2016tax revenue

Strong Towns 101: Risk and Reward

Not only do small downtown shops provide a higher rate of tax revenue than big box stores; they're also a much lower risk investment for the community.

#DotheMath, Iron Range, Big Box StoresCharles MarohnMay 19, 2016Risk, big box stores, 101

ReGen gathers young adults to make positive change

Desiree Yourczek is a founding member of ReGen, an organization dedicated to attracting and retaining young adults on the Iron Range. Desiree talks about how the group got started and where it's headed in the future.

Top Story, Iron Range, #StrongCitizensRachel QuednauMay 19, 2016profile

A Report from the Road + Today's Iron Range Events

It's our last day on the Iron Range. Here's how we're spending it.

Iron Range, Top StoryStrong TownsMay 18, 2016events

Aaron Brown: Straight Talk on the Iron Range

Aaron J. Brown is a writer, radio producer and college instructor living and working on the Iron Range. In this interview between friends, Aaron discusses mining, education, and economics on the Iron Range.

Iron Range, Top Story, Podcast, #StrongCitizensStrong TownsMay 18, 2016Aaron Brown, Minnesota

Nevada Littlewolf, charting a new course for leaders on the Range

Nevada Littlewolf is the youngest member of the Virginia city councilor and first American Indian to sit on the council. She is shaping a new path for the Iron Range.

Iron Range, Quednau, #StrongCitizensRachel QuednauMay 18, 2016local government, profile, Millennials, city council

Strong Towns 101: The advantage of growing up

Adding a second story builds community wealth without adding any expense. It's the sure way to real prosperity.

Iron Range, Top StoryCharles MarohnMay 18, 2016Grand Rapids, local business, 101

Today's events in the Iron Range

Today, Strong Towns is hosting several events in the East Range area of Minnesota including a walking tour, a panel discussion on collaboration, and a Curbside Chat.

Top Story, Iron RangeStrong TownsMay 18, 2016events

Resurrecting a Historic Theater and Improving the Local Economy

Mary McReynolds-Pellinen is an environmental planner, a city councilor and a champion for a renovated historic art center in Virginia, MN. She's doing her part to make the Iron Range a better place.

Iron Range, Quednau, Top Story, #StrongCitizensRachel QuednauMay 18, 2016historic preservation, profile, city council

An interview with Andrew Hanegmon of Iron Range Makerspace

Andrew Hanegmon talks about starting the Iron Range Makerspace and his hopes for this new venture in a podcast interview.

Iron Range, Podcast, #StrongCitizensStrong TownsMay 17, 2016Iron Range Makerspace

Looking at Iron Range Communities with New Eyes

When all the frontiers have been conquered, and industrial growth stagnates, what is left? The new frontier is not at the edge of towns like Coleraine, it’s right on top.

Iron Range, Top StoryAaron BrownMay 17, 2016Aaron Brown

Moxie, a Local Clothing Store with a Mission

Suzanne Rian is the owner of Moxie, a clothing boutique in Hibbing, MN. She started the store eight years ago, during the 2008 recession, and has since watched her store blossom into a strong local business.

Top Story, Quednau, Iron RangeRachel QuednauMay 17, 2016small business, profile