Podcast Episode # 119 - From Sick Cities to Thriving Communities with Jeff Siegler

Small, consistent actions to build community trust, connection, and pride.

27 Nov 2023 — 2 min read

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In this episode, Dane talks with Jeff Siegler, a writer, speaker, and consultant with a deep commitment to the role of place in our lives, and the author of the new book“Your City is Sick”.

Having worked in urban planning and as a downtown manager, Siegler brings a wealth of experience in helping cities and towns overcome economic hardships and social challenges, leading to urban decay and loss of community cohesion.

In his consulting work, particularly with his firm Revitalize, or Die, Siegler observed that technical solutions often fell short in communities plagued by apathy and a lack of civic pride. He stresses the importance of internal, resident-led initiatives over external, temporary fixes, drawing parallels between the sustained effort needed for personal health and community rejuvenation.

Highlighting the example of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, where local leaders chose to enforce building codes to maintain community standards, Siegler illustrates how such actions can signal pride and attract quality development. He argues that communities must consistently make small decisions that honor their standards, aesthetics, history, and resident experience. Over time, these efforts lead to a genuine rekindling of civic pride, stronger community bonds, and a renewed sense of care for one's environment.

10 Actionable Takeaways

Economic and social setbacks often result in collective trauma and community dysfunction.
This trauma leads to apathy, eroding the sense of community and civic engagement.
Lasting community health cannot be achieved through quick, external interventions.
Communities heal and thrive through consistent, internal efforts, akin to personal health practices.
A community's self-esteem is mirrored in its physical and social environment.
Adhering to high standards in development signals respect and attracts positive growth.
Long-term transformation is achieved through numerous small improvements.
Addressing shared experiences of loss is vital in rebuilding community connections.
The built environment significantly influences the overall well-being of its residents.
Local residents are key in identifying and fostering public spaces that promote collective joy and engagement.