Walkable Stillwater: A Bold Step Toward a More Livable Community

At the May 6, 2025 City Council Workshop, Sustainable Stillwater MN Board Member and Energy Action Team Lead Roger Tomten delivered a powerful presentation on a transformative idea for Stillwater’s future: walkability.

Drawing from Jeff Speck’s influential book Walkable City: How Downtown Can Save America, One Step at a Time, Roger proposed a vision of Stillwater that is more connected, healthier, economically vibrant, and future-focused. He introduced the book not just as a reading recommendation—but as a strategic tool for shaping the next era of Stillwater’s development.

Why Walkability, and Why Now?

Stillwater has reached its outward growth limits. As Roger emphasized, the time has come to turn inward—to enhance what we already have rather than expand what we don’t. That means making our community easier and safer to navigate on foot and bike, improving the livability and character of our neighborhoods, and updating outdated zoning codes that currently undermine our historic charm.

Roger’s message was clear: walkable cities aren’t just about sidewalks and crosswalks. They’re about creating places people want to be—places that support thriving local businesses, promote public health, and foster community connection.

Key Points from Walkable City Shared with the Council:

1. Planning Integration: Walkable City offers a well-structured framework that could directly support the City’s future planning efforts.
   

2. Guiding Infrastructure Projects: The book includes 101 specific rules and best practices that can guide infrastructure upgrades and code revisions.
   

3. Boosting Economic Vitality: Walkable areas attract younger residents, support small businesses, and stimulate local economies.
   

4. Promoting Public Health: By encouraging “useful walks,” walkable cities help counteract the negative health impacts of sprawl and car-centric design.
   

5. Aligning with City Goals: The book directly complements Stillwater’s goals for livability, connectivity, and sustainability.

A Generous Gift & a Call to Action

To support this initiative, Sustainable Stillwater MN donated twelve copies of Walkable City Rules—Jeff Speck’s practical companion guide—to the City for use by council members, staff, and commissions. These books contain specific, actionable recommendations that could be tailored to Stillwater’s unique needs.

Roger and other SSMN members will also attend upcoming Commission meetings—such as Planning, Heritage Preservation, Parks, Human Rights, and Energy—to discuss how walkability can inform their work and help shape Stillwater’s next chapter.

More Than Just an Environmental Issue

Roger was quick to note that Sustainable Stillwater MN isn’t just an environmental group. “Sustainability” includes supporting strong local economies and promoting a healthy community through smart design, local food, and active transportation. Walkability ties all these goals together.

Thank You to the City of Stillwater

We deeply appreciate the City Council’s thoughtful consideration of this proposal and their willingness to explore walkability as a guiding principle for future development. With your support, we can ensure that Stillwater remains not just a beautiful place to live, but one that is connected, resilient, and thriving—for everyone.

Interested in learning more? Check out Jeff Speck’s TED Talks for quick, compelling overviews of why walkability matters—and how we can make it happen right here in Stillwater.