The Sidewalk Joy Changing Portland’s Sidewalks

Most neighborhoods have an invisible boundary where public space ends and private property begins. Rachael Harms Mahlandt started questioning that boundary after discovering tiny installations scattered around Portland: a rubber duck exchange, a toy car swap, miniature galleries, and other invitations to stop and interact. She eventually built her own, then began mapping hundreds of similar projects through Sidewalk Joy. What started with a dinosaur diorama in her front yard has become a way for strangers to linger, trade something small, meet a neighbor, and treat the edge of private property as a place for connection. ADDITIONAL SHOW NOTES Rachael Harms Mahlandt (LinkedIn) Sidewalk Joy (Site) Local Recommendations:‍ Zuckercreme Strawberry Museum Mr. Plywood Threshold Brewery Tiffany Owens Reed (Instagram) Do you know someone who would make for a great Bottom-Up Revolution guest? Let us know here!   This podcast is made possible by Strong Towns members. Thank you! Join fellow members discussing this episode in The Commons.