About this Event
Strong Towns Illinois (STILL) Gathering Agenda
Join the many Strong Towns Local Conversations in the state of Illinois for the second-ever state-wide gathering hosted in Bloomington-Normal! Come meet folks doing the bottom-up work of Strong Towns, swap ideas, and share successes and challenges.
You do not need to currently be involved in a Local Conversation to attend. If you are interested in joining or starting one for your city/town, this is event is also for you!
Agenda
🕑: 07:00 PM - 11:00 PM
(Friday, 10/2) Early Arrivals Dinner & Happy Hour [OPTIONAL]
Info: Come join the early arrivals at Fiala Brothers in Uptown Normal for casual socializing & networking.
🕑: 09:00 AM - 09:45 AM
(Saturday, 10/3) Tour of BNCLT's Home [OPTIONAL]
Info: We will head as a group to the site of first community land trust (CLT) home in Bloomington-Normal, or anywhere Downstate for that matter, with the president of the BNCLT Mark Adams. He will introduce the CLT affordable housing model and discuss how it fits within a Strong Towns framework for housing solutions. RSVP for location information.
🕑: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
(Saturday, 10/3) Local Chapter Lead Session #1 [OPTIONAL]
Info: This session will revolve mostly about internal organizing for Strong Towns Local Conversation groups: how to organize yourselves, best practices, prevent burnout, how to get grants and sponsorships, and strategic planning. This will be an in-the-weeds session. So attend if you're an LC lead, interested in being one, or wanting to start your own LC. Location TBD.
🕑: 12:00 PM - 12:50 PM
(Saturday, 10/3) Lunch on Your Own
Info: Go visit the various restaurants in Downtown Bloomington with other STILL attendees, network, share ideas, and eat great food! Ensure you have enough time to make it to the library by 1 PM! A list of recommended restaurants will be sent out.
🕑: 01:00 PM - 04:00 PM
(Saturday, 10/3) Open Sessions [MAIN EVENT]
Info: This will contain most of the sessions and topics pertaining to members of Strong Towns Illinois: legislative updates, local conversation success showcase, strategizing on how to get connected, and more. A more detailed schedule will be added once specific sessions are outlined. This will occur in the Community Room of the Bloomington Public Library.
🕑: 04:00 PM - 05:00 PM
(Saturday, 10/3) Downtown Bloomington & Core Neighborhood Walking Tour
Info: Walk with our local leaders to experience Downtown Bloomington in all its glory, faults, hopes, and dreams. See Strong Towns Blono in action with our neighborhood organizing work and public art installations. Meet at the Bloomington Public Library and will end at the dinner restaurant (TBD)
🕑: 06:00 PM - 08:00 PM
(Saturday, 10/3) Dinner
Info: Share a meal with other attendees at the same restaurant! Location TBD, but in Downtown Bloomington.
🕑: 08:00 PM - 11:00 PM
(Saturday, 10/3) Downtown Social Hours
Info: Night out on the town at various Downtown Bloomington Bars. Details after dinner.
🕑: 09:00 AM - 11:30 AM
(Sunday, 10/4) Local Chapter Lead Session #2
Info: Final internal organizing session for LC leads: planning and coordinating future statewide campaigns and deciding location of next STILL. Location TBD.
Event venue & nearby stays
Bloomington Public Library, 205 East Olive Street, Bloomington, United States
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