Uptown/Oak Lawn Hyperlocal Conversation

On May 25 (date tentative, check Meetup for updates closer to monthly meeting) we're having our 1st conversation in Uptown/Oak Lawn!

Join us at San Martin Bakery and Restaurant
to meet your neighbors and explore ways to improve walkability in Uptown/Oak Lawn. Please RSVP to let us know you're coming!

A hyperlocal conversation is a neighborhood-specific monthly gathering where neighbors discuss ways to improve walkability where they live. Our vision is to have a conversation in and for every neighborhood in Dallas, and we're excited to kick things off in the Uptown/Oak Lawn neighborhood!

For our first conversation, we're starting with the basics: why is walkability so important? What's the big deal?

To guide our conversation, we'll read brief excerpts from the book "Walkable City Rules: 101 Steps To Making Better Places" by Jeff Speck. You'll learn about the "General Theory of Walkability", which outlines four essential conditions that must be met for a walk to be favored: it must be useful, safe, comfortable, and interesting. Then, with the principles in mind, we'll talk about the current strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities in the neighborhood when it comes to walkability. Finally, we'll exchange ideas and explore ways to apply these principles where we live.

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What is a Hyperlocal Conversation?
A hyperlocal conversation is a casual, neighborhood-specific monthly gathering of like-minded neighbors who care about walkability, bikeability, affordability, sustainability, and livability. Each meeting begins with 45–60 minutes of guided discussion, followed by open social time.
At each meeting, you can expect to:
Learn about your neighborhood

• Meet neighbors who care about walkability
• Share stories about life in the neighborhood
• Learn new local history
• Identify what’s working
• Identify what needs fixing

Stay informed

• Hear about important elections* and referendums
• Learn about surveys and public comment opportunities, with guidance on how to participate
• Discover other advocacy groups and activities

Get educated on the issues

• Learn the basics of an urbanism topic each meeting (e.g., transit funding, zoning, bike lane economics, road diets)
• Ask questions and share experiences
• See how the topic applies to Dallas and your neighborhood
• Learn who represents you and how to contact them, with guidance on what to say
• Find resources for further learning (readings, documentaries, courses, events, Dallas Urbanists content)

Be inspired to take action

• Hear examples of successful initiatives
• Continue discussion and idea-sharing after the guided portion
• Get guidance on next steps when participants pursue an initiative together