Macomb is about to get a little 'mightier.'
Thanks to the work of Western Illinois University MBA Graduate Student Omokheshi Adurodija, the national 'Strong Towns' movement has made its way to Macomb.
'Strong Towns' began in 2008 in Brainerd, MN when former engineer and city planner Charles Marohn began a blog to address his concerns about the financial unsustainability of modern development patterns. The organization was officially launched in November 2009 by Marohn, along with Jon Commers and Ben Oleson. As of As of late 2023, there were over 170 active 'Local Conversations' (community- led groups) and 290+ Local Strong Towns groups, with numbers growing weekly. And now, thanks to Adurodija, 'Mighty Macomb' has been added to that growing list of groups.
'I decided to jump start this initiative because good infrastructure and walkability is something that I care deeply about and think a lot of communities could benefit from,' Adurodija explained. 'Any resident is welcome to join the group.' 'Mighty Macomb' will meet twice a month, beginning with its initial interest meeting Dec. 13, to discuss such topics as street utility, public transportation and other matters of concern so members are empowered to notice things that can be improved on in the community, he added. To get involved, individuals are asked to complete the interest form tinyurl.com/ MightyMacombInterest and show up at the Dec. 13 meeting, which will begin at 11 a.m. in the University Union Sandburg Lounge on the WIU-Macomb campus.
'I believe this initiative is important for cities like Macomb because a lack of knowledge may be the only thing preventing someone from making a change in their city that will benefit other people as well,' Adurodija shared. 'I also think that more affordable cities like Macomb will start to see a rise in population in the future and the knowledge of members of the community will be essential to sustainable expansion.'
Strong Towns chapters create change gradually, progressing through four stages, he pointed out. The initial interest and formation of a group is stage one, while the following three phases are focused on education and connection with the community. When a chapter reaches its final stage, that's when changes begin to take place through petitions and/ or self-run beautification/ safety projects.
'It's also a goal for Strong Towns chapter members to perhaps feel compelled to run for positions within city government,' he said. 'Positioned people educated on multiple topics and passionate about creating resilience within their communities is where the most rapid changes have happened.'
Funding for the new organization is solely through Adurodija, who is paying for initial expenses to get the group up and running. He is exploring alternative funding opportunities, and is working to ensure that there are no financial barriers that prevent anyone from getting involved.
'There are 18 people who have signed up through the interest form so far, so I feel we are definitely getting a strong start,' he said. 'I believe that sustainable infrastructure benefits all types of members in a community.'
Adurodija attended high school in Tennessee and received his bachelor's degree from East Tennessee State University. His interest in the 'Strong Towns' movement stems from living abroad from ages 10-15, where he was able to walk, bike within his city or easily take the train cross country to explore options when he was unable to drive.
'It is my belief that it is not sustainable for cars to be required just to leave,' Adurodija concluded.
'After graduation I plan on going to law school where I hope to gain the tools to create state and federal legal reform surrounding land use and zoning law.'
For more information, email [email protected], and follow the group on Instagram at mightymacomb.
