Introducing, Small Bites.
Small Bites is a virtual training series delivering relevant and valuable tools on the implementation of small-scale development. Led by our diverse faculty, they’ll offer expertise drawn from real-life experiences. These one-hour “bite size” sessions are for people of all skill levels, from small-scale developers and local advocates, to policymakers. An opportunity to ask questions is included at the end of each session.
PRESENTED BY:
How to build a better block
Presented by Krista Nightengale
Many community advocates and planners believe transforming neighborhoods requires massive budgets and lengthy approval processes. But grassroots placemaking proves that meaningful change can start with paint, planters, and passionate neighbors willing to reimagine what's possible.
Krista Nightengale will share how Better Block's tactical urbanism approach creates vibrant, people-centered places through community collaboration, not top-down mandates. She will demonstrate how small-scale interventions help residents and officials envision what their streets could become, building momentum for lasting transformation.
Through real-world examples, discover how temporary installations—from pop-up bike lanes to parklets—unlock underused spaces and foster local engagement. Learn practical strategies for activating your own block, navigating city partnerships, and creating gathering places where communities naturally want to connect and linger.
ABOUT THE PRESENTER
KRISTA NIGHTENGALE, Executive Director of Block by Block
Krista Nightengale began her career in journalism when she stumbled into the fascinating world of urban design. She discovered the Better Block Foundation, an international, urban design nonprofit that educates, equips, and empowers communities and their leaders to reshape and reactivate built environments to promote the growth of healthy and vibrant neighborhoods.
In her nearly nine years at the Better Block, Krista has worked with neighbors in more than 90 cities to rethink streets, turn parking lots to plazas, and identify the barriers keeping communities from enjoying their public spaces. The work has resulted in economic development, calmed streets, and has lowered crime rates. But most importantly, it brings neighbors together. Krista has built hundreds of digitally fabricated benches, kiosks, and survey stands. She uses social media to educate around placemaking and transportation, and she’s a pretty adequate drone operator (as long as there’s no wind).
Krista was most recently on the Dallas City Plan and Zoning Commission, the Dallas Comprehensive Land Use Committee, past-president of the Dallas Architecture and Design Exchange board, former AIA Dallas Board Member, City Lab High School Foundation Advisory Council, and a graduate of Leadership Texas.
REGISTRATION
Small Bites sessions are a complementary membership benefit for Associate and Charter Members. Become a member today! Non-members can register for each session for $25 per ticket.
Recordings will be sent to those who register following the session. This event will be held in Central Standard Time. Details will be sent to attendees upon registration.
Contact
For any questions, message us at training@incrementaldevelopment.org.