The Sidewalk Ballet Field Guide
The Sidewalk Ballet Field Guide is a growing collection of people, organizations, projects, books, ideas and ongoing conversations about cities and the people who shape them. It grows out of the podcast, but extends well beyond it—connecting the people doing the work, the places where it’s happening, and the ideas, experiments and resources worth carrying forward. Think of it as part reference library, part trail of breadcrumbs: a way to follow the conversation wherever it leads.
Explore by type, browse alphabetically or by date, or search for something specific. Follow the tags to discover connections—or explore the map to see where the people, projects and ideas in the Field Guide take us.
Challenger Cities
Challenger Cities is a podcast and publication exploring cities through unconventional—and sometimes accidental—urbanists. Created by Iain Montgomery, it pushes beyond traditional planning, architecture, and policy to talk with interesting people doing interesting things in cities around the world. Its premise is that cities shouldn't spend their energy trying to become somewhere else, but should build on what makes them distinctive—creating places where people genuinely want to live, work, gather, visit, eat, drink, and play. Think of it as an eclectic playlist for urbanists, intended to provoke conversation and action rather than produce another sterile planning report
Chelsea Gondeck
Chelsea Gondeck is CEO of the Downtown Partnership of Colorado Springs, where she works to strengthen Downtown as the economic, civic, and cultural heart of the region. Her work spans placemaking, economic development, mobility, public space, and partnerships, including leading the award-winning transformation of AdAmAn Alley.
Kimberly Bares
Kimberly Bares is President and CEO of The Magnificent Mile Association, representing businesses, property owners, institutions, and attractions along Chicago’s iconic North Michigan Avenue. Her work focuses on economic vitality, placemaking, advocacy, public realm improvements, and strengthening the Magnificent Mile as a vibrant destination for Chicagoans and visitors alike.
Michael Edwards
Michael Edwards led the Chicago Loop Alliance from November 2012 to March 2026. The Chicago 'Loop' is America's iconic downtown. Chicago Loop Alliance creates, manages and promotes high performing urban experiences attracting people and investment. Critical accomplishments include a (2) new 5 year strategic action plans, comprehensive street team program, activation of under-performing public spaces, post pandemic Sundays on State and a renewed leadership role in Chicago.